1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “暗” (an) means “dark” or “darkness.” It is often used to describe a lack of light, both literally and metaphorically, such as in situations that are unclear or gloomy.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “暗” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of “darkness” with a phonetic component. The left part, “日” (sun), suggests light, while the right part, “音” (sound), contributes to the pronunciation.
The radical of “暗” is “日,” which relates to light and sun, highlighting the contrast between light and darkness.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “暗” are:
- 暗闇 (くらやみ, kurayami) – darkness
- 暗号 (あんごう, angou) – code or cipher
- 暗示 (あんじ, anji) – hint or suggestion
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- この部屋は暗いです。 (このへやはくらいです。) – This room is dark.
- 彼は暗号を解読しました。 (かれはあんごうをかいどくしました。) – He deciphered the code.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 陰 (いん, in) – shadow or shade, which implies a lack of light but can also suggest a more subtle or hidden aspect.
Antonyms include:
- 明 (あかるい, akarui) – bright or light, representing the opposite of darkness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “暗” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with mystery and the unknown. It appears in various proverbs and idioms, such as:
- 暗中模索 (あんちゅうもさく, anchuu mosaku) – groping in the dark, meaning to search for a solution without clear guidance.
This reflects the cultural understanding of navigating through uncertainty and the importance of light (明) in contrast to darkness (暗).