Meaning
黯然 describes a dim, dark, or gloomy appearance, often used metaphorically to express emotional dejection, disappointment, or sadness. It conveys a sense of losing brightness or spirit, like a light fading. The term frequently appears in literary contexts to describe someone's downcast expression or melancholic state of mind.
Usage
黯然 is a relatively formal, literary expression common in written Chinese and emotional descriptions. It often modifies verbs or appears in set phrases like 黯然失色 (to pale by comparison) or 黯然神伤 (dejected and heartbroken). Native speakers use it to convey deep disappointment or sadness, particularly when describing facial expressions or emotional states after setbacks.
Examples
- 01听到这个消息后，他黯然离开了房间。, .After hearing this news, he left the room dejectedly.
- 02与她的光芒相比，其他人都黯然失色。, .Compared to her brilliance, the others all pale in comparison.
Characters
Common collocations
- 黯然失色to pale by comparison; to be eclipsed
- 黯然神伤dejected and heartbroken
- 黯然离去to leave dejectedly
- 黯然泪下to shed tears sadly
Antonyms
Origin
黯 originally meant 'deep black' or 'dark,' formed with the 黑 (black) radical. 然 is a classical suffix meaning 'in such a manner.' Together, they create an expression meaning 'in a dim/gloomy manner,' which evolved to describe emotional states.