Translation guide
The state or quality of being dark, lacking light, or being gloomy. In Japanese, the most common word is 暗闇 (kurayami) for physical darkness, but there are many nuanced terms for different contexts.
The absence of light, a dark place or condition.
The most common and general word for physical darkness, a dark place without light.
The room was in complete darkness.
Something moved in the darkness.
Often used in literary or dramatic contexts, can imply a deeper, more ominous darkness.
Darkness enveloped the city.
A dimly lit place, partial darkness; often used for a shadowy corner or poorly lit area.
He hid in the darkness.
Pitch-black, total darkness. Often used as a na-adjective or noun.
The room went pitch-black due to the power outage.
Profound darkness, often used in abstract or metaphorical senses (e.g., dark ages, dark side).
the darkness of space
Gloom, despair, evil, or ignorance.
Commonly used for metaphorical darkness, such as the darkness of the heart, despair, or evil.
darkness of the heart
He lives in a world of darkness (crime/evil).
Used for dark periods in history or profound evil, e.g., dark ages.
The quality of being dark, can refer to gloominess of mood or atmosphere.
The time when it is dark outside.
暗闇 (kurayami) is the standard word for physical darkness, while 闇 (yami) often carries a heavier, more emotional or literary tone. 闇 is preferred for metaphorical darkness (evil, despair).
Avoid directly translating 'darkness' as 暗さ (kurasa) in most contexts; it sounds unnatural. Use 暗闇 or 闇 instead.
暗黒時代
the Dark Ages
There was a darkness in his expression.