1.
shadow; shade; shading
The interplay of light and shadow on a surface, especially in art, photography, or visual description. Refers to the gradation between light and dark areas.
絵に陰影をつける。
Add shading to a painting.
午後の光が建物に美しい陰影を作り出していた。
The afternoon light was creating beautiful shadows on the building.
この写真は陰影の使い方が見事だ。
The use of light and shadow in this photograph is magnificent.
2.
nuance; depth; complexity
Figuratively, subtle depth or complexity in a person's character, expression, or artistic work. Suggests layers of meaning beneath the surface.
彼の表情には深い陰影がある。
There is a deep complexity in his expression.
苦労を重ねた人生が、彼女の言葉に陰影を与えている。
A life of accumulated hardship gives depth and nuance to her words.
この小説は登場人物の心理に豊かな陰影を描き出している。
This novel depicts rich psychological nuance in its characters.
USAGE:
In its literal sense (sense 1), 陰影 is used in art, photography, and visual description to refer to shading and the contrast between light and dark. In its figurative sense (sense 2), it describes emotional or psychological depth.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 陰影をつける (to add shading)
- 陰影が濃い (deep shadows; rich nuance)
- 陰影に富む (rich in nuance/depth)
- 陰影を帯びる (to take on depth/shadow)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 陰影: shadow/shading (artistic); nuance (figurative)
- 影: shadow (everyday word, cast by an object)
- 日陰: shade (out of direct sunlight)
- 明暗: light and dark; contrast