How to say 'Pitch dark' in Japanese | 真っ暗

word

Meaning

Pitch dark

Reading

Kanji

真Truth 暗Darkness

Explanation

The Japanese adjectival noun '真っ暗 (まっくら)' means 'pitch-dark'. It is used to describe a state of complete darkness, where no light is visible. This word can be used to describe physical spaces, such as rooms or outdoor areas, as well as metaphorical situations, like a hopeless or unclear future. For example: the room is pitch-dark「部屋は真っ暗だ」(へやはまっくらだ). The night was pitch-dark「夜は真っ暗だった」(よるはまっくらだった). The word '真っ暗' often conveys a sense of intensity or extremity in the darkness, emphasizing the absence of light.

Part Of Speech

adjectival noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1178

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting