밝다 (bak-da, bakda) · 어둡다 (eo-dup-da, eodupda)
밝다 describes a well-lit or cheerful state, while 어둡다 refers to dim lighting or a gloomy mood.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates a state with lots of light or a bright, positive mood.
When to use
Well-lit place, Cheerful personality, Positive atmosphere
The nuance
Use 밝다 when there is sufficient light or when describing a cheerful, positive personality or atmosphere.
Indicates a lack of light or a gloomy, dark atmosphere or mood.
When to use
Dimly lit place, Gloomy mood, Somber atmosphere
The nuance
Use 어둡다 when there is insufficient light or when describing a gloomy mood or dim, somber atmosphere.
방이 너무 밝다.
bang-i neo-mu bak-da., bang i neo mu bak da.
The room has enough light, so 밝다 is correct.
그녀는 밝은 성격이다.
geu-nyeo-neun bak-eun seong-gyeok-i-da., geu nyeo neun bak eun seong gyeok i da.
밝다 is used to describe a cheerful and positive personality.
저녁이라서 거리가 밝다.
jeo-nyeok-i-ra-seo geo-ri-ga bak-da., jeo nyeok i ra seo geo ri ga bak da.
In the evening, light is usually low, so 어둡다 should be used.
그 영화는 분위기가 밝다.
geu yeong-hwa-neun bun-wi-gi-ga bak-da., geu yeong hwa neun bun wi gi ga bak da.
밝다 is used when the movie has a cheerful and positive atmosphere.
지하실이 너무 어둡다.
ji-ha-sil-i neo-mu eo-dup-da., ji ha sil i neo mu eo dup da.
The basement lacks light, so 어둡다 is appropriate.
그는 어두운 성격이다.
geu-neun eo-du-un seong-gyeok-i-da., geu neun eo du un seong gyeok i da.
어둡다 describes a gloomy or somber personality.
햇빛이 너무 어둡다.
haes-bich-i neo-mu eo-dup-da., haes bich i neo mu eo dup da.
Sunlight should be described as bright, so 밝다 is correct.
그 카페는 분위기가 어둡다.
geu ka-pe-neun bun-wi-gi-ga eo-dup-da., geu ka pe neun bun wi gi ga eo dup da.
어둡다 is used when the cafe has dim lighting and a somber atmosphere.
Which word is suitable to describe a 'cheerful personality'?
Which is the correct word to describe a 'room with insufficient light'?
Which word fits to express a 'gloomy atmosphere'?
