Looking up...
暗淡
àn dàn
gloomy
冬天的天空总是显得那么暗淡。
The winter sky always looks so gloomy.
literary
Lacking brightness or light; dim or shadowy.
灯光暗淡的房间让人感到压抑。
The dimly lit room felt oppressive.
Often used to describe lighting conditions, moods, or prospects.
figurative
Lacking vitality or hope; bleak.
未来的前景似乎暗淡无光。
The future prospects seemed bleak.
Commonly used in abstract or metaphorical contexts.
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'dark'
暗淡 emphasizes a lack of brightness or cheerfulness, while 'dark' can imply a complete absence of light (黑暗). Use 暗淡 for subtle dimness or gloom.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Use 暗淡 literally for lighting (e.g., 灯光暗淡) and figuratively for moods/outlooks (e.g., 前景暗淡).
Word Origin
Combines 暗 (àn, 'dark') and 淡 (dàn, 'faint'), both describing low light intensity.
Usage Notes
Used in both literal (lighting) and figurative (mood/prospects) contexts. Avoid overusing in formal writing unless describing a somber tone.
Word Breakdown
暗
dark
root淡
faint/light
root汉英词典