Dark in Japanese
"dark" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
4 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "dark". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
暗 is dark as the absence of light, and also ignorant. 闇 is darkness as a thing — the dark you are in, and the figurative underworld. 冥 is the dark of the other world, the 冥 of 冥土. 幽 is dim and secluded, the dark of 幽玄.
Top pick
darkness, disappear, shade, informal, grow dark, be blinded
Reading: an
13 strokes · dark, elegant, dynamic
Where it comes from
Composed of sun (日) and sound (音). State where only sound remains, no sun.
What it carries
Darkness, gloom, implication. Also represents absence of knowledge or hope.
Related kanji for "dark"
dark
an · dark
Composed of gate and sound. Darkness where gates are closed and no sound heard.
dark
mei · dark
Composed of cover, sun, and six. Covering sun.
dark
yuu · beautiful, peaceful
Composed of mountain and small. Small mountain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for dark?
The most common kanji for "dark" is 暗, read as an. It means darkness, disappear, shade. Related kanji: 闇 (dark), 冥 (dark), 幽 (dark).
How many strokes does 暗 have?
暗 has 13 strokes.