Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gloomy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gloomy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
うっとうしい
うっとうしい (uttōshii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
陰鬱
いんうつ (in'utsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gloomy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うっとうしい and 陰鬱.
In Japanese, うっとうしい (うっとうしい (uttōshii)) is typically associated with "gloomy; depressing; dismal; bothersome; annoying" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes unpleasant weather.
On the other hand, 陰鬱 (いんうつ (in'utsu)) maps to "gloomy, melancholic, somber" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a dark, depressing mood or atmosphere. Can be used for people, places, or situations. 「暗く沈んだ気持ち」や「重苦しい雰囲気」を表します。. A literal translation of "gloomy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "うっとうしい"
梅雨の時期は、毎日雨でうっとうしい天気だ。
During the rainy season, it's gloomy and rainy every day.
Bilingual Context for "陰鬱"
そのニュースは彼の心を陰鬱にさせた。
That news made his heart gloomy.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "梅雨の時期は、毎日雨で ＿＿＿ 天気だ。" (Meaning: "During the rainy season, it's gloomy and rainy every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "うっとうしい" fits here because it means "gloomy; depressing; dismal; bothersome; annoying" in the context of: "During the rainy season, it's gloomy and rainy every day.". "陰鬱" represents "gloomy, melancholic, somber".