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
鬱陶しい
うっとうしい (uttōshii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gloomy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うっとうしい and 鬱陶しい.
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, 鬱陶しい (うっとうしい (uttōshii)) maps to "gloomy, dreary; annoying, troublesome, irritating" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 天候が悪い時（例：長雨）や、人や状況が煩わしく、うんざりする気持ちを表す際に使います。. 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 "鬱陶しい"
毎日雨が続いて、本当に鬱陶しい天気だ。
The rain continues every day, it's really gloomy weather.
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.". "鬱陶しい" represents "gloomy, dreary; annoying, troublesome, irritating".