dark

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 暗 has 13 strokes and describes a lack of light or a gloomy atmosphere.
• Basic usage: 暗い is read くらい, and 暗記 is read あんき. The latter means memorization.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Light and expression
  • 暗くなった means “grew dark.” Replace the final い in 暗い with く, then add なった, the past form of なる.
  • 暗い表情 means a gloomy expression. Here, darkness conveys a person's mood.