어두운
eoduun
The English word 'dark' is translated into Korean as 어두운 (eoduun).
The primary sense of this word is describing a state of having an absolute or relative lack of light. While 어두운 is the form used to describe things, you can also use the noun forms 어둠 or 암흑 to refer to the darkness itself. In a figurative sense, the word 무식 can be used to refer to ignorance.
Meaning: having an absolute or relative lack of light (adj)
Which one should you use?
The choice of form depends on how you want to use the word in a sentence. 어두운 is used to modify a noun, such as a 'dark place'. In contrast, the dictionary stem 어둡다 is used as the main verb or adjective to state that something is dark. If you want to describe an extremely dark or pitch-black state, the alternative word 캄캄하다 is commonly used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form 어두운 is a conjugated form of the dictionary stem 어둡다. If you need to use the word as an adverb, you should use 어둡게.
How do you pronounce it?
eoduun
Did you know?
- While 어두운 describes a lack of light, the word 캄캄하다 is often used to describe a feeling of utter hopelessness or a bleak future.
- Korean has several distinct words for 'dark' depending on the texture of the darkness, such as 침침하다 for blurred or dim vision.
- To describe someone who is 'dark' in a personality sense, such as being moody or gloomy, Koreans typically use words related to 'shadows' or 'heaviness' rather than 어두운.
Examples in context
- 그 남자애는 어두운 곳을 무서워해.The boy is afraid of the dark.This sentence uses 어두운 to show how the word modifies a noun to describe a place.Tatoeba #8365081 by Eunhee, translation #1530476 by CN
- 오늘밤은 정말 어두워요.Tonight is really dark.
- 방이 완전히 어둡네.The room is completely dark.
- 밖이 어두워서 무서워.It's scary outside because it's dark.
- 방 안이 너무 어두운 것 같아요.bang an-i neomu eoduun geot gatayo.The inside of the room seems too dark.
- 어두운 밤에는 길을 조심하세요.eoduun bam-eneun gil-eul josimhaseyo.Please be careful on the road during a dark night.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking in a park at night.
- 서연 Seo-yeon길이 너무 어두운 것 같아.gil-i neomu eoduun geot gata.The path seems too dark.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내 손전등을 써 봐.nae sonjeondeung-eul sseo bwa.Try using my flashlight.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 도현아. 덕분에 밝아졌어.gomawo, dohyeon-a. deokbun-e balk-ajyeosseo.Thanks, Dohyeon. It became bright thanks to you.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이제 괜찮아? 조심히 걸어.ije gwaenchana? josimhi georeo.Are you okay now? Walk carefully.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
