Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gloomy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gloomy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
鬱陶しい
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 鬱陶しい and 陰鬱.
In Japanese, 鬱陶しい (うっとうしい (uttōshii)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "毎日雨が続いて、本当に ＿＿＿ 天気だ。" (Meaning: "The rain continues every day, it's really gloomy weather.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "鬱陶しい" fits here because it means "gloomy, dreary; annoying, troublesome, irritating" in the context of: "The rain continues every day, it's really gloomy weather.". "陰鬱" represents "gloomy, melancholic, somber".