Definition
暗 (àn) has two meanings: 'dark (lacking light)' and 'secret/hidden.' For darkness, 暗 describes dim lighting (e.g., a dark room), while 黑 (hēi) primarily means 'black' (the color) and 黑暗 (hēi'àn, HSK6) suggests a deeper, often figurative darkness. The 'secret' sense (e.g., 暗恋 'secret crush') is unique to 暗 and not shared by 黑.
adjective
dark (lacking light)secrethidden
Easily confused
- 竟jìnglook-alikeunexpectedly, actually (expressing surprise that something happened or is the case)
- 按ànsound-alike(verb) to press, to push (with hand or finger)
- 安ānsound-alike(adjective) calm, peaceful, safe, secure
- 岸ànsound-alikeshore, coast, bank (of a river, sea, or lake)
Examples
- 暗。Wǎnshang zǒu zhè tiáo lù hěn àn.Walking this road at night is very dark.
- 暗。Zhè jiàn yīfu de yánsè bǐjiào àn.The color of this clothing is relatively dark.
- 暗，。Zhàopiàn pāi de tài àn le, kàn bu qīngchu.The photo is too dark, can't see clearly.
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