Translation guide
A period of decline, ignorance, or lack of progress, often used metaphorically. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 暗黒時代 (ankoku jidai), but other expressions exist depending on context.
To refer to a time of cultural, intellectual, or social stagnation, often likened to the European Dark Ages.
The standard translation for 'dark age', used both historically and metaphorically. It implies a period of ignorance, oppression, or lack of progress.
The Middle Ages are often called the Dark Ages.
The country entered a dark age due to civil war.
A slightly shorter term, often used for a specific dark period in history or an organization's history.
The company's dark age was in the early 2000s.
Literally 'era of stagnation', used when emphasizing lack of progress rather than darkness or evil.
A dark age of economic stagnation continued.
To describe a period in someone's life marked by depression, confusion, or lack of direction.
To criticize a time when knowledge, reason, or enlightenment was suppressed.
Literally 'age of ignorance', often used in discussions about science or education.
That policy will take the nation back to a dark age of ignorance.
Avoid translating 'dark age' word-for-word as 暗い時代 (kurai jidai). While understandable, it sounds unnatural and is not the established term.
That was a dark age in my life.