Inklingo

How to Say "gloom" in Spanish

English → Spanish

oscuridad

os-coo-ree-DAHD/oskuɾiˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'oscuridad' when referring to the physical absence of light, like in a dark room or at night.
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.

Examples

La casa estaba en completa oscuridad después de que se fuera la luz.

The house was in complete darkness after the lights went out.

Después del atardecer, la oscuridad cubrió todo el valle.

After sunset, darkness covered the whole valley.

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

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

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').

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.)

sombras

SOHM-bras/ˈsom.bɾas/

nounB2figurative
Use 'sombras' to describe a feeling of sadness, doubt, or a less-than-hopeful outlook, often about the future or a situation.
A simplified cartoon figure standing hesitantly at a fork in a dirt road, looking confused about which path to take. One path is clear, and the other leads into a patch of dark, obscuring fog.

Examples

Las constantes críticas del jefe proyectaron sombras sobre la moral del equipo.

The boss's constant criticism cast shadows over the team's morale.

La crisis puso muchas sombras sobre el futuro de la empresa.

The crisis cast many doubts on the company's future.

Hay que sacar a la luz las sombras del pasado político.

We must bring the secrets (or dark parts) of the political past to light.

Figurative Extension

This meaning is an easy extension of the physical shadow: just as a shadow conceals things, 'sombras' can mean hidden problems, doubts, or lack of clarity.

Literal vs. Figurative Gloom

Learners often confuse 'oscuridad' and 'sombras' by using the literal term for figurative feelings. Remember, 'oscuridad' is about the lack of light, while 'sombras' implies doubt, sadness, or uncertainty.

Related Translations

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