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B1 adverb #2,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

暗く

kuraku
At the A1 level, you learn 'kuraku' primarily as part of the phrase 'kuraku naru' (to become dark). This is used to describe the time of day. You might use it to say 'It's getting dark, let's go home.' The focus is on the literal meaning of light disappearing. You don't need to worry about metaphorical meanings yet. Just remember the pattern: [Noun] ga kuraku naru. For example, 'Sora ga kuraku naru' (The sky becomes dark). It is a basic building block for talking about the environment and daily routines.
At the A2 level, you start using 'kuraku' with 'suru' (to make). This allows you to talk about actions like dimming the lights for a movie or closing the curtains. You also begin to see 'kuraku' used to describe colors that are 'dark' (like dark blue or dark red), though 'kurai' is more common as an adjective. You should be able to understand 'kuraku' when it's used to link two simple sentences in a story, like 'The room was dark, and I was scared.' The connection between physical darkness and simple feelings (like fear) is introduced here.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'kuraku' more figuratively. You can describe a person's mood as 'kuraku mieru' (looking gloomy) or a story as 'kuraku owaru' (ending darkly). You understand that 'kuraku' can modify a wide range of verbs to change the 'vibe' of a sentence. You also start to distinguish 'kuraku' from synonyms like 'usuguraku' (dimly). You should be able to use 'kuraku' in more complex grammar structures, such as 'kuraku naranai uchi ni' (before it gets dark). This level is about moving from physical descriptions to atmospheric ones.
At the B2 level, 'kuraku' is used to discuss social issues or abstract concepts. You might read about a 'darkly' depicted future in a dystopian novel or a 'darkly' shaded political situation. You are comfortable with the adverbial 'ku' form acting as a literary conjunction to create sophisticated sentence structures. You also understand the cultural nuances, such as how 'darkness' in Japanese aesthetics (like Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows') can be seen as beautiful or traditional rather than just negative or scary.
At the C1 level, you use 'kuraku' with precision in academic or literary contexts. You can discuss the 'darkly' nuanced tones in a piece of classical Japanese music or the 'darkly' satirical elements of a modern play. You understand the etymological roots of the kanji and how it relates to other words in the 'kura' family. Your usage of 'kuraku' is indistinguishable from a native speaker, often choosing it over more common words to create a specific rhythmic effect in your writing or to evoke a particular historical or cultural atmosphere.
At the C2 level, 'kuraku' is a tool for mastery. You can use it to explore the finest shades of meaning in philosophical discourse. You might use it to describe the 'darkly' obscured truths in a complex legal case or the 'darkly' profound silence of a Zen garden at night. You are capable of using 'kuraku' in wordplay, puns, or deep literary analysis, fully grasping its role in the long history of Japanese aesthetics and its evolution from classical Japanese to the modern tongue.
연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

暗く 30초 만에

  • Adverbial form of 'kurai' (dark), used to describe the manner of becoming dark or acting gloomily.
  • Commonly paired with 'naru' (to become) for natural changes and 'suru' (to make) for intentional actions.
  • Can describe both physical light levels and metaphorical psychological states like pessimism or sadness.
  • In formal writing, it serves as a sophisticated connective form to link descriptive clauses.

The word 暗く (kuraku) is the adverbial form of the i-adjective 暗い (kurai), which primarily translates to 'dark' or 'gloomy.' In Japanese grammar, changing the final 'i' of an i-adjective to 'ku' allows it to function as an adverb, modifying verbs, or as a connective form to link sentences. When we speak of 暗く, we are describing the manner in which an action occurs or a state changes in relation to light levels or emotional atmosphere. It encompasses a spectrum from the literal absence of photons to the metaphorical presence of sorrow or pessimism.

Physical Dimension
Refers to the reduction of light. For example, as the sun sets, the world kuraku naru (becomes dark). It describes the physical environment where visibility is limited.
Psychological Dimension
Refers to a person's mood or the 'vibe' of a place. A person might look kuraku (gloomy/depressed) or a story might end kuraku (on a dark note).
Visual Aesthetics
In art or photography, it refers to the use of deep shadows or low-key lighting to create depth or mystery.

「日が暮れて、辺りが急に暗くなってきた。」(The sun set, and the surroundings suddenly became dark.)

— A common observation of the transition from day to night.

Understanding 暗く requires looking at its kanji: 暗. This character combines the radical for 'sun' (日) with 'sound' or 'hidden' (音). Historically, it suggests a state where the sun's light is 'hidden' or 'muffled,' much like sound is muffled in the distance. This nuance is vital because it implies that darkness is not just a void, but a state of being obscured. In a B1 level context, you are expected to move beyond simple physical descriptions and start using 暗く to describe complex atmospheres in literature or daily social interactions.

「彼女は将来を暗く見ているようだ。」(She seems to be looking at the future darkly/pessimistically.)

The versatility of 暗く extends into the realm of color theory and interior design. When you want to specify that a color should be deeper or more saturated toward the black end of the spectrum, you might say motto kuraku (darker). However, be careful not to confuse it with kuroku (blackly), which refers specifically to the color black rather than the absence of light. This distinction is a hallmark of intermediate Japanese proficiency.

Etymological Root
The root 'kura' is shared with words like 'kura' (storehouse/cellar), which are inherently dark places. This suggests a deep-seated connection in the Japanese psyche between darkness and enclosed, hidden spaces.

「部屋を暗くして映画を見ましょう。」(Let's dim the lights/make the room dark and watch a movie.)

Using 暗く (kuraku) correctly involves understanding its role as an adverbial modifier. In Japanese, i-adjectives are unique because they can conjugate directly into adverbs by changing the final -i to -ku. This allows 暗く to interact with a wide variety of verbs, primarily those indicating change, perception, or intentional action.

1. With Verbs of Change (なる - Naru)

The most common pairing is with naru (to become). This describes a natural or spontaneous transition into a state of darkness. Whether it's the sky at twilight or a mood shifting after bad news, kuraku naru is your go-to phrase.

夕方になると、空が次第に暗くなります。
(When evening comes, the sky gradually becomes dark.)

2. With Verbs of Action (する - Suru)

When you want to express that someone is intentionally making something dark, use kuraku suru. This is common when talking about turning off lights, adjusting screen brightness, or painting a room in dark tones.

プロジェクターを使うので、照明を暗くしてください。
(We are using a projector, so please dim/darken the lights.)

3. With Verbs of Perception (見える、感じる)

To describe how something appears or feels, 暗く modifies verbs like mieru (to look/appear) or kanjiru (to feel). This is often used for metaphorical darkness, such as a 'dark' outlook on life or a 'gloomy' atmosphere in a room.

彼はいつも物事を暗く考える傾向がある。
(He has a tendency to always think about things darkly/pessimistically.)

4. Grammatical Structure: The Adverbial Link

In formal writing or 'literary' Japanese, the -ku form acts as a conjunction. Instead of using kurakute (which is more conversational), writers use 暗く to link two clauses. This creates a rhythmic, sophisticated flow.

外は暗く、風も強かった。
(Outside was dark, and the wind was also strong.)

In terms of CEFR B1 level usage, you should focus on using 暗く to describe 'mood' and 'atmosphere' (fun'iki). For example, fun'iki o kuraku suru (to dampen the mood). This shows a higher level of abstract thinking than simply describing the weather.

The word 暗く (kuraku) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in everything from mundane weather reports to high-stakes emotional dramas. Understanding the context in which it appears helps you grasp its cultural weight.

1. Weather and Daily Cycles

You will hear this constantly on the news or in casual conversation about the time. In winter, Japanese people often remark on how early it gets dark. Phrases like "Kuraku naru no ga hayai desu ne" (It gets dark early, doesn't it?) are standard small talk during the colder months.

"Winter in Hokkaido is tough because it gets 暗く so early in the afternoon."

2. Anime, Manga, and Drama

In Japanese media, 暗く is frequently used to describe a character's backstory or the tone of a specific scene. A 'dark' past is kurai kako, and when a character speaks 'darkly' or 'gloomily,' the stage directions will often use kuraku. It sets a specific 'mood' (shinpai or fuan) that is central to Japanese storytelling.

"The protagonist's expression became 暗く as he remembered his childhood."

3. Interior Design and Technology

In modern Japan, with its focus on 'omotenashi' (hospitality) and atmosphere, you'll hear 暗く in restaurants or hotels. A waiter might ask if the lighting is too dark (kuraku arimasen ka?) or a tech manual might instruct you to make the screen kuraku to save battery.

4. Literature (Bungaku)

Japanese literature, particularly the 'I-Novel' genre, often dwells on the inner darkness of the human soul. Authors like Natsume Soseki or Akutagawa Ryunosuke use 暗く to paint vivid pictures of psychological distress. In these contexts, it isn't just about light; it's about the 'shadows' of the mind.

Finally, in social settings, if someone is 'bringing the mood down,' people might say they are making the place kuraku. This social usage is very common among younger generations to describe 'vibes' (kuuki).

While 暗く (kuraku) seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its specific grammatical constraints and its overlap with other 'dark' words. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid at the B1 level.

1. The 'Ni' vs. 'Ku' Error

A very common mistake for English speakers is trying to turn an i-adjective into an adverb using ni (e.g., *kurai ni). In Japanese, only na-adjectives use ni. I-adjectives must use ku. Always remember: 暗く (Correct) vs. 暗いに (Incorrect).

2. Confusing 'Dark' with 'Black'

As mentioned previously, 暗く (kuraku) refers to light intensity, while 黒く (kuroku) refers to the color black. If you say you want to paint your car kuraku, a Japanese person might think you want to paint it in a way that it doesn't reflect light, whereas kuroku means you want it to be the color black.

❌ 髪を暗く染めました。
✅ 髪を黒く染めました。
(Note: You can use 'kuraku' for hair if you mean 'a darker shade,' but 'kuroku' is for 'black'.)

3. Overusing it for 'Sad'

While 暗く can mean gloomy, it doesn't always translate to 'sad' (kanashii). If you say someone is speaking kuraku, it implies a lack of energy or a pessimistic outlook, not necessarily that they are crying or feeling grief. Using kuraku when you mean kanashiku can make your Japanese sound a bit 'heavy' or 'edgy' rather than emotional.

4. Incorrect Particle Usage with 'Naru'

When using kuraku naru, you don't need any particles between kuraku and naru. Some learners mistakenly add ni or o.
暗くなる (Correct) | 暗くになる (Incorrect).

5. Forgetting the 'Te-form' alternative

In spoken Japanese, kurakute is much more common than kuraku when connecting sentences. If you use kuraku in casual speech to link ideas, you might sound like you're reading from a textbook or a novel. Use kurakute for friends, kuraku for essays.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'darkness,' each with its own specific flavor. Knowing when to use 暗く (kuraku) versus its synonyms will elevate your Japanese from functional to expressive.

1. 陰鬱に (In'utsu ni)
This is a much stronger word for 'gloomily' or 'melancholy.' While kuraku can just mean low light, in'utsu ni is purely psychological and very heavy. It’s used for clinical depression or extremely oppressive weather.
2. どんよりと (Donyori to)
An onomatopoeic expression used almost exclusively for the weather or a person's eyes/expression. It describes a 'leaden' or 'overcast' darkness—think of a thick, grey sky before a storm.
3. ぼんやりと (Bonyari to)
This means 'dimly' or 'faintly.' It’s used when there is some light, but it’s not clear. If a room is kuraku, you can't see; if it's bonyari, you can see shapes but not details.
4. 薄暗く (Usuguraku)
A direct relative of kuraku. The prefix usu- means 'thin' or 'light.' So, usuguraku means 'dimly' or 'dusky.' It’s less intense than kuraku.

「空がどんよりとして、今にも雨が降りそうだ。」(The sky is leaden/gloomy, and it looks like it will rain any second.)

When choosing between these, consider the source of the darkness. Is it a lack of light (kuraku)? Is it a cloudy sky (donyori)? Or is it a feeling in your heart (in'utsu)?

In summary, 暗く is the most versatile and 'neutral' of these words. It is the safe choice for B1 learners, but as you progress to B2 and C1, you should start incorporating these more specific synonyms to add color (or shadow) to your speech.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

""

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

1

空が暗くなりました。

The sky became dark.

Subject + ga + kuraku + narimashita (past tense of naru).

2

暗くなる前に帰りましょう。

Let's go home before it gets dark.

kuraku + naru + mae ni (before ...ing).

3

部屋が暗いです。

The room is dark.

This uses the adjective form 'kurai' for comparison.

4

外は暗く、寒いです。

It is dark and cold outside.

Using 'kuraku' to link two adjectives (literary/formal style).

5

電気が消えて、暗くなった。

The light went out and it became dark.

te-form verb + kuraku natta.

6

暗くしないでください。

Please don't make it dark.

kuraku + shinai de kudasai (negative request).

7

もう暗くなりましたか？

Has it already become dark?

mou (already) + kuraku narimashita ka.

8

公園が暗くなりました。

The park became dark.

Place + ga + kuraku narimashita.

1

テレビの画面を少し暗くしました。

I made the TV screen a little darker.

Object + o + kuraku + shimashita (intentional action).

2

彼は暗く笑った。

He laughed darkly.

Modifying the verb 'waratta' (laughed).

3

この色は、もっと暗くできますか？

Can you make this color darker?

kuraku + dekimasu ka (potential form).

4

道が暗くて、何も見えません。

The road is dark, and I can't see anything.

Using 'kurakute' (te-form) as a reason.

5

部屋を暗くして、寝ましょう。

Let's make the room dark and sleep.

kuraku shite (te-form of kuraku suru).

6

夕方、急に空が暗くなった。

In the evening, the sky suddenly became dark.

kyuu ni (suddenly) + kuraku natta.

7

暗く見えるけど、大丈夫？

You look gloomy, are you okay?

kuraku + mieru (to look/appear).

8

この角を曲がると、暗くなります。

If you turn this corner, it gets dark.

Verb-u + to (conditional) + kuraku narimasu.

1

彼女は自分の将来を暗く考えている。

She is thinking about her future pessimistically.

kuraku + kangaeru (to think darkly/pessimistically).

2

そのニュースは、人々の心を暗くさせた。

That news made people's hearts heavy/dark.

kuraku + saseta (causative form of suru).

3

映画の結末が暗く、悲しい気持ちになった。

The movie's ending was dark, and I felt sad.

kuraku (connective form) + kanashii.

4

照明を暗くすることで、落ち着いた雰囲気になります。

By dimming the lights, it creates a calm atmosphere.

kuraku suru koto de (by doing...).

5

彼はいつも暗く沈んだ顔をしている。

He always has a dark, depressed face.

kuraku + shizunda (depressed/sunken).

6

物語は次第に暗く、深刻な方向へ進んだ。

The story gradually moved in a dark and serious direction.

shidai ni (gradually) + kuraku.

7

雨の日は、部屋が暗く感じられます。

On rainy days, the room feels dark.

kuraku + kanjiraremasu (passive/polite feeling).

8

あまり暗く考えすぎないでください。

Please don't overthink things too darkly.

kuraku + kangaesugiru (to overthink).

1

景気の悪化が、社会全体を暗く覆っている。

The economic downturn is darkly overshadowing the whole society.

kuraku + ouite iru (covering/overshadowing).

2

その作家は、人間の本性を暗く描き出すことで知られている。

That author is known for depicting human nature darkly.

kuraku + kakidasu (to depict/draw out).

3

部屋の隅に、暗く長い影が伸びていた。

A dark, long shadow was stretching in the corner of the room.

kuraku + nagai (linking two adjectives).

4

彼の発言は、会議の雰囲気を暗くしてしまった。

His remarks ended up dampening the mood of the meeting.

kuraku + shite shimatta (regretful action).

5

窓の外は暗く、激しい雨が降り続いていた。

Outside was dark, and heavy rain continued to fall.

kuraku (literary connective) + verb-te iru.

6

将来を暗く見通すのは、まだ早い。

It's too early to have a dark outlook on the future.

kuraku + mitoosu (to foresee/look ahead).

7

その古い館は、暗く不気味なオーラを放っていた。

The old mansion emitted a dark and eerie aura.

kuraku + bukimi na (dark and eerie).

8

彼は暗く、しかし力強い声で語り始めた。

He began to speak in a dark but powerful voice.

kuraku, shikashi (darkly, but...).

1

谷崎潤一郎は、暗く沈潜した美の世界を追求した。

Jun'ichiro Tanizaki pursued a world of darkly submerged beauty.

kuraku + chinsen shita (submerged/deeply involved).

2

歴史の真実が、暗く葬り去られようとしている。

The truth of history is about to be darkly buried away.

kuraku + houmurisarareru (to be buried/consigned to oblivion).

3

その旋律は、暗く、それでいてどこか官能的だった。

The melody was dark, yet somehow sensual.

kuraku + soredeite (dark, and yet...).

4

政治的な陰謀が、国の行く末を暗く濁らせている。

Political conspiracies are darkly muddying the country's future.

kuraku + nigorasete iru (making muddy/cloudy).

5

彼は暗く屈折した感情を、詩に託した。

He entrusted his darkly distorted emotions to poetry.

kuraku + kussetsu shita (refracted/distorted).

6

森の奥深く、光が暗く遮られた場所にその祠はある。

Deep in the forest, in a place where light is darkly blocked, stands that shrine.

kuraku + saegirareta (blocked/interrupted).

7

彼の瞳には、暗く燃えるような情熱が宿っていた。

In his eyes dwelt a darkly burning passion.

kuraku + moeru you na (burning-like).

8

近代化の影が、伝統的な生活を暗く侵食していった。

The shadow of modernization darkly eroded traditional life.

kuraku + shinshoku shite itta (gradually eroded).

1

深淵を覗く時、深淵もまた暗くこちらを覗き返している。

When you peer into the abyss, the abyss also peers back at you darkly.

Nietzschean reference using 'kuraku' as the manner of peering.

2

言語の限界が、思考の地平を暗く縁取っている。

The limits of language darkly border the horizons of thought.

kuraku + fuchidotte iru (bordering/fringing).

3

虚無の感覚が、彼の存在そのものを暗く蝕んでいった。

A sense of nihilism darkly consumed his very existence.

kuraku + mushibande itta (ate away/consumed).

4

その哲学書は、人間の理性の限界を暗く示唆している。

That philosophical book darkly suggests the limits of human reason.

kuraku + shisa shite iru (suggesting/hinting).

5

宇宙の膨張は、万物を暗く冷たい終焉へと導く。

The expansion of the universe leads all things to a dark and cold end.

kuraku + tsumetai (linking two adjectives).

6

意識の底に、暗く澱んだ記憶が眠っている。

At the bottom of consciousness sleep darkly stagnant memories.

kuraku + yodonda (stagnant/settled).

7

権力の亡者が、歴史の舞台裏を暗く跋扈している。

Power-hungry individuals are darkly roaming behind the scenes of history.

kuraku + bakko shite iru (roaming/dominating).

8

生と死の境界線が、暗く、曖昧に溶け合っていく。

The boundary between life and death darkly and ambiguously melts together.

kuraku + aimai ni (darkly and ambiguously).

자주 쓰는 조합

暗くなる (become dark)
暗くする (make dark)
暗く見える (look dark/gloomy)
暗く感じる (feel dark/gloomy)
暗く考える (think pessimistically)
暗く描く (depict darkly)
暗く染める (dye a dark color)
暗く沈む (sink into darkness/gloom)
暗く覆う (cover darkly)
暗く閉ざす (close off darkly)

자주 쓰는 구문

辺りが暗くなる (surroundings get dark)

照明を暗くする (dim the lights)

将来を暗く見る (have a dark outlook on the future)

雰囲気が暗くなる (the atmosphere becomes gloomy)

顔色が暗くなる (one's complexion/expression darkens)

画面を暗くする (darken the screen)

暗く長い夜 (a dark and long night)

暗く静かな場所 (a dark and quiet place)

暗く沈んだ声 (a dark, depressed voice)

暗く濁った水 (dark, muddy water)

자주 혼동되는 단어

暗く vs 黒く (kuroku)

Refers to the color black, not the light level.

暗く vs 辛く (karaku)

Means 'spicily' or 'harshly' (different kanji).

暗く vs 暗記 (anki)

Means 'memorization' (shares the same 'dark' kanji but unrelated meaning).

관용어 및 표현

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

혼동하기 쉬운

暗く vs

暗く vs

暗く vs

暗く vs

暗く vs

문장 패턴

사용법

metaphor

Can be used for 'pessimism' but not usually for 'evil' (use 'akunin' or 'kuroi' for evil).

intentionality

'Kuraku suru' implies someone changed the light. 'Kuraku naru' is usually natural.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'kurai ni' instead of 'kuraku'.
  • Confusing 'kuraku' (dark) with 'kuroku' (black).
  • Using 'kuraku' to mean 'physically painful' (confusing with 'tsuraku').
  • Adding 'ni' after 'kuraku' when using 'naru'.
  • Using 'kuraku' for a person when you mean they are 'quiet' (use 'shizuka').

팁

Adverbial Rule

Always change -i to -ku for i-adjectives. Never use -ni with 'kurai'.

In'ei Raisan

Read 'In Praise of Shadows' to understand why 'darkly' lit spaces are beautiful in Japan.

Color vs Light

Distinguish between 'kuraku' (light level) and 'kuroku' (color black) carefully.

Mood Setting

Use 'kuraku' to describe the 'vibe' of a room or a story to sound more advanced.

Literary Flow

Use 'kuraku' as a mid-sentence break in formal writing for better rhythm.

Pitch Accent

Listen for the rise on 'ra' to distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.

Personality Description

Be careful calling someone 'kurai' or saying they act 'kuraku'; it's an insult.

Kanji Meaning

Remember the 'sun' + 'sound' components to visualize light being muffled.

Naru vs Suru

Use 'naru' for nature (the sky) and 'suru' for humans (the light switch).

Daily Practice

Every evening when the sun sets, say 'kuraku narimashita' to yourself.

암기하기

어원

문화적 맥락

A 'bright' (akarui) personality is highly prized in workplaces.

Shadows are essential to the beauty of gold leaf and lacquerware.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"最近、暗くなるのが早くなりましたね。"

"映画を見る時、部屋を暗くしますか？"

"このレストラン、ちょっと暗すぎませんか？"

"将来について、暗く考えてしまうことはありますか？"

"暗いニュースが多いですが、どう思いますか？"

일기 주제

今日、空が暗くなった時の気持ちを書いてください。

あなたが「暗く」感じる場所はどこですか？なぜですか？

最近、心を暗くさせた出来事はありましたか？

「暗い」美しさについてどう思いますか？

部屋を暗くしてリラックスする方法を教えてください。

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'kurai' is an i-adjective. You must use 'kuraku' to make it an adverb. 'Ni' is only for na-adjectives.

Not always. In Japanese aesthetics, 'kuraku' can imply peace, depth, or traditional beauty. However, describing a person as 'kuraku' is usually negative.

'Kuraku' is general darkness. 'Usuguraku' means 'dimly' or 'slightly dark,' like at dusk.

'Kuraku natte kita' is the most natural way to say 'it has started to become dark'.

It means 'gloomy' or 'depressing.' For 'sad,' use 'kanashiku.' 'Kuraku' is more about the atmosphere or outlook.

You can say 'Heya o kuraku shite eiga o mita' (I made the room dark and watched a movie).

It means to think pessimistically or to look on the dark side of things.

Yes, often to describe the sky before a storm or the time of sunset.

Yes, if you want to say 'I dyed it a darker shade' (kuraku someta). If you want 'black,' use 'kuroku'.

The opposite is 'akaruku' (brightly/cheerfully).

셀프 테스트 180 질문

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