(うすぐら)

うすぐらい
i-adjective
dim, dusky, gloomy
1. dim, dusky, gloomy, poorly lit
Having insufficient light; not completely dark but lacking adequate brightness. Often describes twilight or shadowy environments.
薄暗(うすぐら)部屋(へや)
a dimly lit room
夕方(ゆうがた)になって(あた)りが薄暗(うすぐら)くなった。
It became dusky as evening approached.
薄暗(うすぐら)路地裏(ろじうら)一人(ひとり)(ある)くのは(こわ)い。
It's scary to walk alone through dimly lit back alleys.

FORMATION: Compound of (うす)い (thin, faint) + (くら)い (dark). The く becomes ぐ through rendaku (sequential voicing).

CONJUGATION: Regular i-adjective: 薄暗(うすぐら)くない, 薄暗(うすぐら)かった, 薄暗(うすぐら)くて, etc.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 薄暗(うすぐら)部屋(へや)/廊下(ろうか)/路地(ろじ) (dim room/hallway/alley)
  • 薄暗(うすぐら)(なか)で (in the dim light)
  • (あた)りが薄暗(うすぐら)くなる (the area becomes dim)

RELATED WORDS:

  • (くら)い (dark - stronger darkness)
  • 仄暗(ほのぐら)い (faintly dark - literary)
  • ほの(ぐら)い (dimly lit - alternative form)