鬱

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 鬱 (うつ) is a noun-like expression that can refer to gloom, a depressed mood, persistent depressive symptoms, or depression.
• Basic usage: Its scope depends on whether a passage portrays a mood or discusses lasting symptoms with a doctor.
  • 小説では主人公の鬱な気分が静かな独白で描かれる。 — The novel portrays the protagonist's depressed mood through quiet monologues.
  • 長く続く鬱の症状について、登場人物が医師に相談する場面がある。 — A character consults a doctor about persistent depressive symptoms.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Mood and symptom context
  • 鬱な気分 describes a low mood, while 鬱の症状 with duration and medical consultation is a symptom context. Do not infer a diagnosis from the word alone.