암흑
amheuk[ˈa̠(ː)mɣɯk̚]
The English word "darkness" can be translated into Korean as 암흑 (amheuk) or 어두움.
Meaning: state of being dark (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 암흑 | amheuk | [ˈa̠(ː)mɣɯk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 어두움 | eoduum | [ʌ̹duum] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
어두움 is used to describe the general state of a place being dark or lacking light. In contrast, 암흑 is used for a more profound, absolute or metaphorical darkness, such as the void of space.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 어두움 is the noun form derived from the adjective 어둡다, which means "to be dark".
Which one should you use?
어두움 is a common and descriptive term for general darkness, while 암흑 is more literary and is used for intense or metaphorical darkness.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create the term for a "dark age" or a period of hardship by adding the suffix –기 to 암흑, resulting in 암흑기.
How do you pronounce it?
amheuk
Did you know?
- In Korean, the concept of 'darkness' can be expressed through the adjective 어둡다, which can also describe a person's lack of social intelligence or a 'dim' mind.
- In certain contexts, 암흑 can be used to describe a secret or 'underground' society that operates away from the public eye, similar to the English 'shadowy' world.
- The word 암흑 is a Sino-Korean compound where both characters possess independent meanings: 암 means 'dark' and 흑 means 'black'.
Examples in context
- 밤이 되면 어둠이 내려와요.When night falls, darkness falls.
- 방이 어두워서 불을 켜야 해.I have to turn on the lights because the room is dark.
- 우주는 끝없는 암흑이다.uju-neun kkeuteomneun amheug-ida.The universe is an endless darkness.
- 갑작스러운 암흑이 찾아왔다.gapjageureoun amheug-i chajawatta.A sudden darkness descended.
- 그는 암흑 속에서 길을 잃었다.geuneun amheug sog-eseo gireul il-eotda.He lost his way in the darkness.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are in a room during a power outage.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo갑자기 전기가 나가서 완전 암흑이야.gapjagi jeongiga nagaseo wanjeon amheugiya.The power went out suddenly, so it's complete darkness.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 아무것도 안 보여요.jeongmal amugeotdo an boyeoyo.I really can't see anything.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내가 휴대폰 손전등을 켤게.naega hyudaepon sonjeondeungeul kyeolge.I will turn on my phone flashlight.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 현우 씨.gomawoyo, hyeon-u ssi.Thank you, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darkness” translations and entries 암흑, 어두움, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 암흑, CC BY-SA 4.0.
