暗

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

日 (날 일) — semantic component, representing the sun or light, used here to indicate illumination or its absence.

音 (소리 음) — phonetic component, providing the sound àn / am and suggesting the idea of vibration or tone, which by extension can relate to something heard but not seen.

According to Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「暗，幽也。从日音聲。」

“暗 means obscurity or hiddenness. Formed from 日 (‘sun’) and phonetic 音 (‘sound’).”

The composition therefore expresses the absence of sunlight — that which is dim, hidden, or unseen.

In ancient forms, 暗 and 闇 were interchangeable; the latter emphasized the sense of concealment within enclosure (門), while 暗 highlighted the lack of light itself.

In modern Chinese, 暗 serves as both the simplified and traditional form of 闇.

黑暗 (흑암) — darkness; gloom

暗中 (암중) — in secret; covertly

暗殺 (암살) — assassination (lit. “to kill in darkness”)

暗示 (암시) — suggestion; implication

暗記 (암기) — memorization (lit. “to remember in the dark”)

暗號 (암호) — secret code or password

暗淡 (암담) — dim; gloomy

陰暗 (음암) — shady; obscure; dismal

暗流 (암류) — undercurrent, hidden tendency

暗夜 (암야) — dark night

The concept of 暗 in Chinese philosophy and literature carries rich symbolic meaning beyond simple “darkness.”

It represents the hidden, the unrevealed, or the unconscious — aspects that exist but are not illuminated by awareness or truth.

In Laozi (道德經·四十二章):

「知白守黑，為天下式。」

“Know the white, yet hold to the black — this is the pattern of the world.”

Here, the “black” or dark (暗) symbolizes the receptive, mysterious, and sustaining aspect of the Dao — not evil, but profound and unfathomable.

In Book of Changes (易經), darkness is associated with 陰 (yin) — the passive, nurturing principle complementing 陽 (yang).

Thus, 暗 embodies the hidden forces that act unseen, echoing the balance between light and shadow.

In Buddhist texts, 暗 is often used metaphorically for ignorance (無明) — the spiritual darkness that conceals truth:

「眾生沉於暗，佛以慧光照之。」

“Sentient beings sink in darkness; the Buddha illuminates them with the light of wisdom.”

Here, 暗 denotes the veil of delusion, while enlightenment is portrayed as light that dispels the dark.

In poetry, 暗 frequently evokes both emotional and natural imagery — twilight, secrecy, longing, or inner turmoil.

「暗香浮動月黃昏。」 (Lin Bu, 山園小梅)

“Hidden fragrance drifts beneath the yellowing moon at dusk.”

Here, 暗香 (hidden fragrance) expresses subtlety and the unseen — beauty that reveals itself only through sensitivity.

From physical darkness to hidden action and inner obscurity, it encompasses both literal and symbolic meanings — the unseen depth beneath brightness.

In philosophy, it corresponds to yin, in Buddhism to ignorance, and in poetry to the quiet beauty of the unseen.

Thus, 暗 stands as a timeless symbol of mystery, secrecy, and the veiled side of existence — where truth awaits illumination.