陰気な
inki na
The English word "gloomy" can be translated into Japanese as 陰気な (inki na). Wiktionary also lists 陰鬱な (in'utsu na).
Meaning: affected with, or expressing, gloom, melancholy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 陰気な | inki na |
| 陰鬱な | in'utsu na |
Both Japanese terms for "gloomy" describe a state of being affected by or expressing melancholy. 陰気な is often used to describe a person's gloomy personality or a dark, damp atmosphere.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the word, 陰気 (inki), is composed of 陰 (in), meaning shadow or yin and 気 (ki), meaning spirit or energy.
Which one should you use?
While 陰気な describes personalities or physical atmospheres, 陰鬱な (in'utsu na) is more literary and describes a heavy, profound sense of melancholy or a somber mood.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both 陰気な and 陰鬱な are na-adjectives, meaning they require the particle な (na) when used directly before a noun. To use the word in its dictionary form at the end of a sentence, use 陰気だ (inki da) instead of 陰気な.
How do you pronounce it?
inki na
Did you know?
- The term 陰鬱 (in'utsu) uses the character 鬱 (utsu), which is famously one of the most complex and difficult kanji to write. It is often used as a challenge for students learning to write dense, complicated characters.
- While 陰気な describes a gloomy person, the term 陰キャ (inkya) is a modern slang abbreviation used to describe an 'introvert' or someone who lacks social energy.
- While English speakers use 'gloomy' for both weather and mood, using 陰気な to describe a person in Japan can carry a stronger connotation of being 'unsettling' or 'creepy' compared to the English 'melancholy'.
Examples in context
- 最近彼は憂鬱な感じだよ。He has been feeling gloomy lately.
- この部屋は少し陰気な雰囲気だ。kono heya wa sukoshi inki na fun'iki da.This room has a slightly gloomy atmosphere.
- 彼は陰気な性格をしている。kare wa inki na seikaku o shite iru.He has a gloomy personality.
- 雨の日は、とても陰気な気分になる。ame no hi wa, totemo inki na kibun ni naru.I feel very gloomy on rainy days.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking through a dark, old forest.
- 蓮 Renこの森は陰気な感じがするね。kono mori wa inki na kanji ga suru ne.This forest feels a bit gloomy, doesn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当だね、少し怖いよ。hontou da ne, sukoshi kowai yo.You're right, it's a little scary.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、大丈夫？yui, daijoubu?Yui, are you okay?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、早く明るい場所へ行こう。un, hayaku akarui basho e ikou.Yeah, let's get to a bright place quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gloomy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
