Back

On'yomi
アン・オン
AN / ON
Kun'yomi
やみ・くら.い
yami / kurai

get dark · gloom · disorder

dark

Details

Strokes17
Frequency#1969
Radicalgate(8)

Stroke Order

Loading...
Strokes17

Component Breakdown

=

gate + sound

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of gate and sound. Darkness where gates are closed and no sound heard.

Symbolism

Darkness, secret, ignorance. Represents world without light and hidden facts.

Spiritual Meaning

Symbol of avidyā (ignorance), the mind's state covered by worldly desires. Yet teachings say only through darkness can one appreciate light's value.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Light illuminating the dark night

Words & Expressions

Proverbs & Idioms

闇夜に鉄砲

やみよにてっぽう

Shooting in the dark

Doing something blindly without a plan