Used to describe either a gloomy, overcast sky or a dark, moody facial expression.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes dark and gloomy weather conditions.
- Used to describe a stern or unhappy facial expression.
- Evokes a sense of heaviness or suppressed emotion.
Overview
- 1概述：“阴沉”是一个描写性词汇，既可以描述外部环境（天气），也可以描述人的内在状态（情绪或表情）。它常给人一种灰暗、沉重、缺乏活力的心理暗示。2) 使用模式：在描述天气时，常与“天空”、“天气”搭配；在描述人时，常与“脸色”、“神情”、“表情”搭配。它可以单独作谓语，也可以作定语修饰名词。3) 常见语境：该词常出现在文学描写、天气预报或对人际关系的描述中。例如，在形容暴风雨来临前的天空，或者形容一个人心情不好、不想说话时，使用频率很高。4) 同义词比较：与“阴天”相比，“阴沉”更强调一种压抑的氛围感，而“阴天”仅仅是客观陈述天气状况。与“严肃”相比，“阴沉”带有更多负面、不悦或愤怒的色彩，而“严肃”可能是中性的态度。
Examples
今天天气阴沉沉的，让人觉得很压抑。
everydayThe weather is gloomy today, making people feel depressed.
他阴沉着脸，一句话也没说就走开了。
formalHe had a sullen look on his face and walked away without saying a word.
天空阴沉，乌云密布。
informalThe sky is overcast with dark clouds.
会议室里的气氛变得异常阴沉。
academicThe atmosphere in the meeting room became unusually gloomy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
阴沉沉
very gloomy
脸色阴沉
sullen look
天空阴沉
overcast sky
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to the state of the sky being covered by clouds. It is neutral and objective.
Refers to a serious attitude. It is generally positive or neutral, whereas '阴沉' is negative.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '阴沉' is versatile but leans towards the negative side. Use it when you want to emphasize a lack of light or a lack of positive emotion. It is widely used in both speech and writing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '阴沉' to describe a person who is simply 'serious'. However, '阴沉' implies a hidden, possibly unpleasant mood. Avoid using it to describe a professional or focused person.
Tips
Focus on the atmosphere
When using '阴沉', think about the mood. It is not just about the lack of light; it is about the heavy feeling it creates.
Avoid negative social labeling
Be careful when describing a person as '阴沉'. It can sound like you are accusing them of being secretive or having a bad personality.
Literary usage in Chinese
In Chinese literature, '阴沉' is often used to foreshadow a conflict or a sad turn of events in the story.
Word Origin
The character '阴' relates to the shady side of a mountain, while '沉' implies sinking or heavy. Together, they form the imagery of a heavy, lightless atmosphere.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '阴' (Yin) is the opposite of '阳' (Yang). '阴沉' represents the imbalance of Yin energy, which is associated with coldness, darkness, and sadness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dark cloud (阴) hanging over someone's head, making them sink (沉) into a bad mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“阴天”是客观描述天气状况，指云层厚。而“阴沉”不仅指天气，还带有压抑、不舒服的感官色彩。
当一个人心情不好、生气或者性格内向、不爱交流时，表情会显得僵硬或阴郁，这时可以用“阴沉”来形容。
可以，但在正式场合描述人时，建议使用“严肃”或“凝重”；描述天气时“阴沉”是标准的文学表达。
反义词主要是“明朗”、“开朗”或“晴朗”。
Test Yourself
外面天气___，看来快要下雨了。
根据后文“快要下雨”判断，天气应为昏暗的。
以下哪项最适合用“阴沉”来形容？
“阴沉”常形容人的神情压抑、严肃或不悦。
他 / 脸色 / 很 / 阴沉
标准的中文主谓结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Used to describe either a gloomy, overcast sky or a dark, moody facial expression.
- Describes dark and gloomy weather conditions.
- Used to describe a stern or unhappy facial expression.
- Evokes a sense of heaviness or suppressed emotion.
Focus on the atmosphere
When using '阴沉', think about the mood. It is not just about the lack of light; it is about the heavy feeling it creates.
Avoid negative social labeling
Be careful when describing a person as '阴沉'. It can sound like you are accusing them of being secretive or having a bad personality.
Literary usage in Chinese
In Chinese literature, '阴沉' is often used to foreshadow a conflict or a sad turn of events in the story.
Examples
4 of 4今天天气阴沉沉的，让人觉得很压抑。
The weather is gloomy today, making people feel depressed.
他阴沉着脸，一句话也没说就走开了。
He had a sullen look on his face and walked away without saying a word.
天空阴沉，乌云密布。
The sky is overcast with dark clouds.
会议室里的气氛变得异常阴沉。
The atmosphere in the meeting room became unusually gloomy.
