depression · dense

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 鬱 denotes depression or gloom and also carries the listed sense of density; the source lists only the on-reading うつ.
• Basic usage: In the selected words, 鬱 refers to depression or gloom, while 鬱陶しい describes something annoying or dreary.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 鬱 / 鬱陶しい
  • 鬱: This word refers to a depressed mood, gloom, or persistent depressive symptoms. Example: 小説では主人公の鬱な気分が静かな独白で描かれる。
  • 鬱陶しい: This adjective describes an insect, weather, or situation as annoying or dreary. Example: 顔の前を飛ぶ虫が鬱陶しいので窓を閉めた。