Inklingo
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oscuridad

/os-coo-ree-DAHD/

darkness

A high quality storybook illustration showing a vast, deep blue and black night sky. The ground is pitch black, emphasizing the total absence of light. A single, tiny crescent moon hangs high above.

The most common meaning of oscuridad is darkness, referring to the absence of light.

oscuridad(Noun)

fA2

darkness

?

absence of light

Also:

the dark

?

place without light

,

gloom

?

dim light

📝 In Action

Después del atardecer, la oscuridad cubrió todo el valle.

A2

After sunset, darkness covered the whole valley.

Se fue la luz y tuvimos que caminar en la oscuridad total.

B1

The power went out and we had to walk in total darkness.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tinieblas (gloom/shadows (often literary))
  • penumbra (partial shade)

Antonyms

  • luz (light)
  • claridad (brightness)

Common Collocations

  • oscuridad profunda – deep darkness
  • en la oscuridad – in the dark

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'oscuridad' is always a feminine word. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la oscuridad', 'una oscuridad terrible').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Oscuro' instead of 'Oscuridad'

Mistake: "Me gusta el oscuro de la noche. (Incorrect: 'el oscuro' is generally used as the color 'dark brown' or 'dark shade'.)"

Correction: Me gusta la oscuridad de la noche. (Correct: Use the noun form 'oscuridad' when referring to the state of being dark.)

⭐ Usage Tips

To Say 'It's Dark'

The most common and natural way to say 'It's dark' is 'Está oscuro' (using the adjective) or 'Hay oscuridad' (There is darkness).

A simple illustration of a person standing behind a sheer, semi-transparent curtain or veil, making their features indistinct and unrecognizable, symbolizing obscurity.

Oscuridad can also mean obscurity, representing a lack of clarity or recognition.

oscuridad(Noun)

fB2

obscurity

?

lack of clarity or recognition

Also:

secrecy

?

hidden motives or actions

,

complexity

?

of an argument or text

📝 In Action

La oscuridad de su escritura hacía el libro muy difícil de leer.

B2

The obscurity/complexity of his writing made the book very difficult to read.

El presidente operaba en la oscuridad, sin informar al público.

C1

The president operated in secrecy, without informing the public.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • opacidad (opacity)
  • misterio (mystery)

Antonyms

  • transparencia (transparency)
  • sencillez (simplicity)

Common Collocations

  • sacar de la oscuridad – to bring out into the open
  • vivir en la oscuridad – to live in anonymity/seclusion

⭐ Usage Tips

Literary Context

When 'oscuridad' is used figuratively, it often carries a dramatic or negative weight, suggesting hidden danger, lack of fame, or moral ambiguity.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: oscuridad

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'oscuridad' in its most literal, basic sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

oscuro(dark (adjective)) - adjective
oscurecer(to get dark (verb)) - verb
obscurecer(to obscure or dim (verb)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'oscuridad' and 'sombra'?

'Oscuridad' means darkness—the complete absence of light, usually during the night or indoors without power. 'Sombra' means shadow or shade, which is the lack of light in a specific area caused by an object blocking the light (like the shadow of a tree).

How do I correctly say 'dark' using the related words?

You use the adjective 'oscuro/a'. For example: 'El cuarto está oscuro' (The room is dark). 'Oscuridad' is the state of being dark (the noun).