Definition
阴冷 describes two related but distinct concepts: (1) weather or environment that is both overcast/shady and cold—a raw, damp chill that seeps in; (2) a person's expression, tone, or attitude that feels gloomy, detached, or even menacing. The first sense is purely physical; the second is emotional or interpersonal, like describing a 'cold' stare or a 'bleak' atmosphere. In both cases it combines 阴 (shady, gloomy) and 冷 (cold).
s.v.
(of weather or a place) gloomy and coldraw(of a person's expression or atmosphere) somberglumcold
Examples
- 阴冷,。Zhège dìxiàshì yòu yīn lěng yòu cháoshī, dāi jiǔ le hěn nánshòu.This basement is both gloomy-cold and damp; it’s uncomfortable to stay long.
- 阴冷,。Tā shuōhuà de shēngyīn hěn yīn lěng, ràng rén bù gǎn jiējìn.His voice sounded so cold and grim that people dared not approach him.
- 阴冷,。Dōngtiān de běifāng tiānqì yīn lěng, chūmén yào chuān hòu yīfu.In winter the northern weather is raw and cold; you need to wear thick clothes when going out.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.