阴天。
Cloudy.
직역: Overcast/Shady Day
Use `阴天` for any gray, sunless day or to set a moody, melancholic tone in conversation.
15초 만에
- Standard way to say it is cloudy or overcast.
- Uses the 'Yin' character meaning shade or dark.
- Can describe both the weather and a gloomy mood.
뜻
This phrase describes a day when the sky is covered in clouds and the sun is hidden. It is the standard way to say it is 'overcast' or 'cloudy' in Chinese.
주요 예문
3 / 6Checking the weather for a trip
明天是阴天，我们还要去公园吗？
Tomorrow is a cloudy day, do we still want to go to the park?
Making small talk with a neighbor
又是阴天，真想见见太阳。
Another cloudy day, I really want to see the sun.
Starting a business meeting
虽然今天是阴天，但我们的心情应该很阳光。
Although it's cloudy today, our mood should be sunny.
문화적 배경
The concept of 'Yin' (阴) is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, representing the cool, dark, and receptive side of nature. In modern pop culture, 'cloudy days' are a staple trope in C-dramas and music to signify a character's sadness or a looming breakup. Unlike some cultures that prioritize constant sun, many in China appreciate '阴天' because it is cooler and protects the skin from UV rays.
The 'No-Sun' Rule
Only use `阴天` when the sun is completely blocked. If you see even a sliver of sun, it's usually `多云` (partly cloudy).
The Beauty Secret
Many people in China actually prefer `阴天` for outdoor activities because they don't have to carry a sun umbrella or worry about tanning!
15초 만에
- Standard way to say it is cloudy or overcast.
- Uses the 'Yin' character meaning shade or dark.
- Can describe both the weather and a gloomy mood.
What It Means
阴天 literally translates to a 'shady' or 'overcast' day. The character 阴 (yīn) represents the 'yin' in Yin and Yang. It carries meanings of shade, darkness, or the feminine principle. When you pair it with 天 (tiān), which means day or sky, you get a perfectly descriptive term for those gray, sunless afternoons. It is not just a weather report. It is a mood.
How To Use It
You can use it as a simple noun or a predicate. If someone asks about the weather, just say 今天是阴天 (Today is a cloudy day). You do not need fancy grammar here. It is short, punchy, and gets the job done. You can also use it to describe your internal weather. If you are feeling a bit down or gloomy, 阴天 works as a metaphor for your soul. Just do not use it to describe a few fluffy white clouds. That is 多云 (duōyún).
When To Use It
Use it whenever the sun is missing. It is perfect for small talk in an elevator. Use it when planning a picnic to warn friends. It is great for photography enthusiasts discussing lighting. You will hear it in weather forecasts and see it in song lyrics. It is a very safe, common phrase for daily life. Even in a professional meeting, it is a neutral way to start a conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 阴天 if you can see the sun. If there are just some clouds but it is still bright, use 多云. Also, do not use it to mean 'dark' like a room with no lights. For that, use 暗 (àn). If it is actually raining, move on to 下雨 (xiàyǔ). 阴天 is strictly for that 'in-between' gray state before the rain starts.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 阴 is associated with cool, dark, and passive energy. Many famous Mandopop songs use 阴天 to set a melancholic, romantic mood. There is a very famous song by Karen Mok actually titled '阴天'. It paints a picture of a relationship losing its spark. To many, a cloudy day is the perfect time for reflection or a long nap. It is not necessarily 'bad' weather, just 'quiet' weather.
Common Variations
You might hear 阴沉沉 (yīn chénchén) for a very heavy, gloomy sky. If it is just slightly cloudy, people say 多云. If the sun is trying to peek through, you might hear 阴转晴 (yīn zhuǎn qíng). In casual texts, people often just send a cloud emoji ☁️ alongside the word. It is a versatile building block for weather talk.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any social register. Just remember that it functions as a noun, so you usually say 'is a cloudy day' (是阴天).
The 'No-Sun' Rule
Only use `阴天` when the sun is completely blocked. If you see even a sliver of sun, it's usually `多云` (partly cloudy).
The Beauty Secret
Many people in China actually prefer `阴天` for outdoor activities because they don't have to carry a sun umbrella or worry about tanning!
Don't confuse with 'Dark'
If you are in a room and can't see, don't say it's `阴天`. Use `黑` (hēi) or `暗` (àn) instead.
예시
6明天是阴天，我们还要去公园吗？
Tomorrow is a cloudy day, do we still want to go to the park?
A practical way to discuss plans based on the sky.
又是阴天，真想见见太阳。
Another cloudy day, I really want to see the sun.
Expressing a common sentiment during a long gray week.
虽然今天是阴天，但我们的心情应该很阳光。
Although it's cloudy today, our mood should be sunny.
A common 'ice-breaker' metaphor in professional settings.
我的心情现在是阴天。
My mood is currently 'cloudy'.
Using the weather as a metaphor for feeling a bit down.
阴天拍照不用开美颜！
You don't need beauty filters when taking photos on a cloudy day!
Referring to the soft, flattering light of an overcast sky.
窗外阴天了，音乐低声写着。
It's cloudy outside the window, the music is softly playing.
Setting a poetic scene, common in literature.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct word to describe a gray sky without rain.
外面没有太阳，今天是___。
`晴天` means sunny and `下雪` means snowing. `阴天` is the correct term for no sun/overcast.
Complete the sentence to express a gloomy mood.
他不开心，他的脸像___一样。
Comparing someone's face to a 'cloudy day' is a common way to say they look gloomy.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of '阴天'
Used in texts or with friends to describe mood.
心情阴天
Standard daily conversation and weather talk.
今天是阴天。
Used in weather reports or news.
预计午后转阴天。
When to use 阴天
Weather Small Talk
Nice gray sky today!
Photography
Perfect soft lighting.
Feeling Blue
I'm feeling a bit down.
Song Lyrics
Setting a romantic mood.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not necessarily. It just means the sky is covered in clouds. It might rain later, but 阴天 itself just describes the lack of sun.
Yes! It is a very common metaphor. You can say 我的心情是阴天 to mean you are feeling gloomy or sad.
阴天 is fully overcast (gray sky), while 多云 means 'many clouds' but the sun is still visible or the sky is still bright.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend. It is the standard term for everyone.
You can say 天阴了 (tiān yīn le). The 了 indicates a change in state.
Not really a slang word, but people might use 阴沉沉 (yīn chénchén) to sound more dramatic about how gloomy it is.
Be careful! Calling someone 阴 (yīn) can imply they are sneaky or sinister, which is very different from the weather.
Because they share the same root concept of shade and absence of direct light. It's all about the balance of energy.
The opposite is 晴天 (qíngtiān), which means a sunny, clear day.
Absolutely. It is a very poetic word often used to represent loneliness or quiet contemplation.
관련 표현
晴天
Sunny day
多云
Partly cloudy
下雨
To rain
阴沉沉
Gloomy/Very overcast
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