陰気

• Reading: いんき
• Romaji: inki
• Kanji breakdown: 陰 (in) — shadow, yin, dark; 気 (ki) — spirit, energy, atmosphere
• Pronunciation: /iɴ.ki/

Meaning

Gloomy; dismal; melancholy. Describes a dark, depressing atmosphere or temperament.

A na-adjective and noun describing a dark, depressing quality — either of a place (陰気な部屋, a gloomy room) or a person's temperament (陰気な性格, a melancholy personality). The opposite is 陽気 (youki, cheerful/lively). Often used to set mood in descriptions or to characterise someone who is perpetually downbeat.

Examples

1. この部屋は陰気な雰囲気で居心地が悪い。 This room has a gloomy atmosphere and feels uncomfortable.
2. 彼はいつも陰気な顔をしている。 He always has a dismal expression on his face.
3. 陰気な天気が続くと気分も沈む。 When gloomy weather continues, my spirits sink too.

Usage Guide

Context: atmosphere, personality, weather, mood

Tone: somber

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 陰 (in, shadow/yin/dark) + 気 (ki, spirit/energy/atmosphere). Literally 'yin energy' — the dark, subdued quality contrasting with 陽気 (yang energy, brightness).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal