Definitions

black; dark

Etymology phono-semantic

black

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is an adjective used to describe extreme, pitch-black darkness or the complete absence of light. Structurally, it pairs the semantic radical ('black') on the left, which places it in the category of darkness, with the phonetic component on the right, which indicates its pronunciation. In modern usage, the character is rarely standalone; it almost always appears in the reduplicated form 黢黢 to intensify the sense of darkness. This form can describe a pitch-black room, a black night sky, or skin deeply tanned and weathered by harsh sunlight and outdoor elements.