Translation and Meaning of: 真っ暗 - makkura

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 真っ暗 (makkura) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: makkura

Kana: まっくら

Type: adjective

L: jlpt-n2

真っ暗

Translation / Meaning: Total Darkness; Shorthestitia; dark pitch

Meaning in English: total darkness;shortsightedness;pitch dark

Definition: A state of total darkness, without light or illumination.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (真っ暗) makkura

The expression 「真っ暗」 (makkura) is a Japanese term that can be broadly translated as "completely dark" or "totally black." The word consists of two elements: 「真っ」 (ma), an intensifying prefix that can be translated as "completely" or "totally," and 「暗」 (kura), which means "dark" or "obscure." The kanji 「真」 generally denotes something true or genuine, while 「暗」 evokes the idea of something lacking light or inadequately illuminated.

The etymology of 「真っ暗」 reveals a rich linguistic history. The prefix 「真っ」 is often used in Japanese to intensify the following adjective. This is similar to terms like 「真っ白」 (masshiro) for "completely white" or 「真っ青」 (massao) for "completely blue." This intensifying quality not only reinforces the quality of the adjective but also emphasizes the extreme condition, suggesting a complete absence of light or clarity in the case of 「真っ暗」.

The use of the expression 「真っ暗」 is quite common in everyday Japanese and can refer both to physical places that are unlit, like rooms or caves, as well as more figurative situations that imply a lack of clarity or hope. In the broader cultural context of Japan, darkness can have connotations of both serenity and mystery. This term is a perfect example of how the Japanese language is rich in nuance and how a simple word can carry multiple layers of meaning depending on the context in which it is used.

Synonyms and similar words

漆黒 (Shikkoku) - Deep black, total darkness.
闇黒 (Yamiko) - Darkness, an intense form of darkness.
暗黒 (Ankoku) - Dense darkness, often associated with evil.
暗闇 (Kurayami) - Darkness, absence of light; usually refers to a dark environment.
暗黒色 (Ankoku-shiki) - Dark color, often used in artistic or design contexts.
暗色 (Anshoku) - Dark color, in general, relevant in color description.
暗然 (Anzen) - State of being in darkness, without light.
暗澹 (Anzan) - Feeling of melancholy or sadness in the midst of darkness.
暗鬱 (An’utsu) - Feeling of depression or apathy related to darkness.
暗淡 (Andan) - Opaque darkness, lack of brightness.
暗沈 (Anchin) - Descending into darkness symbolizes a fall or sadness.
暗転 (An-ten) - Change to darkness, often used in the context of dramatic events.
暗示 (Anji) - Insinuation of something obscure or unclear.
暗中模索 (Anchuu Mosaku) - Explore in the shadows, search for solutions without clarity.
暗雲 (An’un) - Dark clouds symbolize uncertainty or problems ahead.
暗渠 (Ankyo) - Hidden channel, often associated with sewers or drains that are out of sight.
暗殺 (Ansatsu) - Murder, often laden with dark connotations.
暗礁 (Anshou) - Submerged Recife, a metaphor for a hidden danger.
暗唱 (Anshou) - Recitation in a low voice or murmur, often in a somber tone.
暗号 (Angou) - Hidden code, information that is intentionally kept secret.
暗線 (An-sen) - Dark lines or strokes, often in graphic or artistic contexts.
暗視 (Anshi) - Vision in the darkness, the ability to perceive in the absence of light.
暗記 (Anki) - Memorize, often used for things that should be remembered in obscure circumstances.
暗算 (Anzan) - Mental calculation, often in a context that involves obscure difficulties.
暗示する (Anji suru) - Insinuate or suggest something obscure or not explicit.
暗殺する (Ansatsu suru) - Carry out a murder stealthily.
暗唱する (Anshou suru) - Recite softly or murmur something discreetly.
暗記する (Anki suru) - To memorize something in a way that may not be obvious.
暗中模索する (Anchuu Mosaku suru) - Finding a solution in the midst of uncertainty or lack of clarity.