Details
Description
Darkness - gates closed, no light and no sound. A heavy character meaning gloom, secrecy and not knowing.
Stroke Order
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
Component Breakdown
gate + sound
Words & Expressions
Words written with 闇
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
Anime & Manga
一瞬で治療していたのに役立たずと追放された天才治癒師、闇ヒーラーとして楽しく生きる
The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows
A well-known work with 闇 in its Japanese title.
劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 冥き夕闇のスケルツォ
Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night
A well-known work with 闇 in its Japanese title.
アカギ ～闇に降り立った天才～
Akagi: Yami ni Oritatta Tensai
A well-known work with 闇 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
山崎闇斎
Name contains 闇
Yamazaki Ansai za.kʲi | aꜜɰ̃.sai], January 24, 1619 – September 16, 1682) was a Japanese philosopher and scholar.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
“gloom”
“disorder”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 闇 mean in Japanese?
闇 means get dark, gloom, disorder. Darkness - gates closed, no light and no sound. A heavy character meaning gloom, secrecy and not knowing.
How do you read 闇?
On'yomi: アン、オン (AN, ON). Kun'yomi: やみ、くら.い (yami, kurai).
How many strokes does 闇 have?
闇 has 17 strokes. Its radical is 門 (gate).
Is 闇 a good kanji for a tattoo?
闇 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means get dark, gloom, disorder. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.