暗黒
ankoku[ã̠ŋko̞kɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase ankoku means "darkness."
暗黒 refers to a state of complete or total darkness. It is often used in dramatic, literary or scientific contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
ankoku
Did you know?
- The kanji 黒 in ankoku can be read as kuro, but when combined in this phrase, it shifts to the reading koku, which is derived from the ancient Chinese pronunciation.
- In certain Buddhist contexts, the concept of ankoku is used to describe a state of spiritual ignorance or a 'dark' heart that prevents enlightenment.
- While ankoku means 'darkness', it is frequently used in Japanese pop culture to describe 'dark' or 'edgy' aesthetics, such as ankoku-kei fashion and music.
Examples in context
- 暗黒の宇宙が広がっている。ankoku no uchuu ga hirogatte iru.A vast, dark void of space is spreading out.
- 暗黒の海はとても恐ろしい。ankoku no umi wa totemo osoroshii.The dark, pitch-black ocean is very terrifying.
- 部屋が暗黒に包まれた。heya ga ankoku ni tsutsumareta.The room was enveloped in total darkness.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are exploring a cave together.
- 陽太 Yotaライトが消えた！真っ暗だ。Raito ga kieta! Makkura da.The light went out! It's pitch black.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ。完全な暗黒ね。Hontou da. Kanzen na ankoku ne.You're right. It's total darkness.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、僕の手を離さないで。Misaki, boku no te o hanasanaide.Misaki, don't let go of my hand.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。ゆっくり歩こう。Wakatta. Yukkuri arukou.I understand. Let's walk slowly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 暗黒, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
