Definition
阴 (yīn) describes weather that is overcast/cloudy or a place that is shady/cool. 阴暗 (yīn'àn) is stronger, meaning 'dim and dark' (literally) and can also describe a gloomy mood or atmosphere — it's not used for simple cloudiness or shade.
adjective
(of weather) overcastcloudy(of a place) shadyshaded
Easily confused
- 服fúlook-aliketo take (medicine)
- 因yīnsound-alike(preposition) because of, due to
- 朝cháolook-alike(verb) to face (a direction); to make a pilgrimage to
- 印yìnsound-alike(verb) to print, stamp, or engrave
- 肠chánglook-alikeintestines
- 引yǐnsound-aliketo lead, to guide
- 银yínsound-alikesilver (the precious metal)
- 瘾yǐnsound-alikeaddiction, craving
Examples
- ,。Jīntiān yīn tiān, wǒ juéde lěng.Today is overcast; I feel cold.
- ,。Shù xià hěn yīn liáng, bú rè.Under the tree it is very shady and cool, not hot.
- 阴,。Zhè shì shù de yīn miàn, méiyǒu tàiyáng.This is the shady side of the tree; there is no sun.
Browse more HSK 2 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.