阴暗 yīn’àn dim
dim; dark; overcast; darkness; shadow; (figuratively) dismal; gloomy; somber; murky; shadowy (side)
How to remember 阴暗: 阴 cloudy (weather) + 暗 dark = dim.
Characters
How it is used
- Dim and gloomy, literally and figuratively - 阴暗的角落 (yīn'àn de jiǎoluò) a dark, dingy corner; 阴暗心理 a twisted, dark mindset.
- The figurative sense (sinister, murky, unwholesome) is strong: 阴暗面 = the dark side of something.
- Contrast 黑暗 (hēi'àn, plain darkness/absence of light) - 阴暗 adds a damp, dismal, morally shady flavor.
Example sentences
- 前途一片阴暗。 Qiántú yīpiàn yīnàn.The future looked very gloomy.