Meaning and Usage
The noun '어둠' primarily means 'darkness' or 'the state of being dark.' It is often used to describe the absence of light, either literally, such as night or a dark room, or metaphorically, such as a dark situation or mood.
Common Contexts
'어둠' frequently appears in everyday conversation when talking about night time or places without light. It can also be used figuratively to express fear, mystery, or sadness.
Collocations and Patterns
- 어둠 속 (in the darkness): used to describe being inside a dark place.
- 어둠이 내리다 (darkness falls): a poetic or common expression for nightfall.
- 어둠을 두려워하다 (to fear the dark): expressing fear of darkness.
Register and Nuance
'어둠' is a neutral noun suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is not a slang or highly literary word, making it versatile.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '어둠' with '어두움,' which is a less common noun form meaning the quality of being dark. '어둠' is the standard and more natural choice in most contexts.