Level 2

어둡다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '어둡다' describes a state of low light or darkness. It is commonly used to talk about physical environments like rooms, streets, or weather conditions that lack sufficient light.

Emotional and Figurative Use

Besides literal darkness, '어둡다' can describe moods or atmospheres that feel gloomy or somber, such as a person's expression or a situation.

Common Collocations

  • 어두운 방 (dark room): describing a room with little light.
  • 어두운 골목 (dark alley): often used to express danger or fear.
  • 표정이 어둡다 (expression is dark): indicating a serious or worried mood.

Register and Politeness

'어둡다' is a standard descriptive adjective used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral in politeness and can be combined with various verb endings to adjust formality.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse '어둡다' with '어두워지다' which means 'to become dark.' Also, avoid mixing it with '어둡히다,' which is not a correct form. Use '어둡다' to describe states rather than actions.

Example Sentences

방이 너무 어두워서 책을 읽기 힘들어요.

Bangi neomu eoduwoseo chaekeul ilgi himdeureoyo.

The room is too dark, so it's hard to read a book.

어두운 골목길을 혼자 걷는 것은 무서워요.

Eoduun golmokgireul honja geodneun geoseun museowoyo.

Walking alone on a dark alley is scary.

그의 표정이 어두워 보여서 무슨 일이 있는지 걱정했어요.

Geuui pyojeongi eoduwowo boyeoseo museun iri inneunji geokjeonghaesseoyo.

His expression looked dark, so I was worried if something was wrong.