陰気(いんき)

陰気(いんき) is a na-adjective describing a dark, gloomy, or depressing quality in people, places, weather, or atmosphere.

Etymology

陰(いん) (yin, shadow, negative) + 気(き) (spirit, atmosphere). Rooted in the 陰陽(いんよう) (yin-yang) concept.

Forms

• Na-adjective: 陰気(いんき)な雰囲気(ふんいき) (gloomy atmosphere)
• Adverbial: 陰気(いんき)に黙(だま)り込(こ)む (sit in gloomy silence)

Can describe

• 天気(てんき): weather (dreary, overcast)
• 雰囲気(ふんいき): atmosphere (depressing)
• 性格(せいかく): personality (gloomy, somber)
• 場所(ばしょ): places (dark, cheerless)

Similar words

• 陽気(ようき): cheerful, lively, bright — the direct opposite
• 暗(くら)い: dark (more general, also literal darkness)
• 憂鬱(ゆううつ): depressed, melancholy (focuses on internal feelings)
• じめじめ: damp and gloomy (onomatopoeia, physical sensation)