陰鬱(いんうつ)

Describes a heavy, oppressive sense of gloom that goes beyond simple sadness. Often used for weather, atmospheres, facial expressions, and moods. The word suggests a persistent, weighing darkness rather than a momentary feeling.

Common collocations

• 陰鬱(いんうつ)な雰囲気(ふんいき): gloomy atmosphere
• 陰鬱(いんうつ)な表情(ひょうじょう): somber expression
• 陰鬱(いんうつ)な天気(てんき): dismal weather
• 陰鬱(いんうつ)な気分(きぶん): melancholy mood

Similar words

• 憂鬱(ゆううつ): depressed, melancholy — focuses more on personal emotional state; more commonly used in everyday speech
• 暗(くら)い: dark, gloomy — simpler and more general; used in both literal and figurative senses
• 陰気(いんき): gloomy, dreary — similar but slightly less literary; often used for personalities

Register

Literary and formal. Frequently appears in novels, especially in descriptions of settings and moods. Less common in casual conversation, where 憂鬱(ゆううつ) or 暗(くら)い would be preferred.