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.
Gloom, despair, evil, or ignorance.
Commonly used for metaphorical darkness, such as the darkness of the heart, despair, or evil.
The time when it is dark outside.
Literally 'the darkness of night', a common poetic phrase.
夜の闇に紛れて逃げた。
He escaped under cover of darkness.
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.
部屋の中は完全な暗闇だった。
The room was in complete darkness.
暗闇の中で何かが動いた。
Something moved in the darkness.
Often used in literary or dramatic contexts, can imply a deeper, more ominous darkness.
闇が街を包み込んだ。
Darkness enveloped the city.
A dimly lit place, partial darkness; often used for a shadowy corner or poorly lit area.
彼は暗がりに隠れた。
He hid in the darkness.
Pitch-black, total darkness. Often used as a na-adjective or noun.
停電で部屋が真っ暗になった。
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).
宇宙の暗黒
the darkness of space
心の闇
darkness of the heart
彼は闇の世界に生きている。
He lives in a world of darkness (crime/evil).
Used for dark periods in history or profound evil, e.g., dark ages.
暗黒時代
the Dark Ages
The quality of being dark, can refer to gloominess of mood or atmosphere.
彼の表情には暗さがあった。
There was a darkness in his expression.
After it gets dark; a practical phrase for everyday use.
暗くなってから出かけた。
I went out after dark.