乌云

wūyún: 乌云 - Dark Cloud, Black Cloud

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: wuyun, 乌云, dark cloud Chinese, black cloud Chinese, wuyun meaning, what does wuyun mean, Chinese for storm cloud, Chinese weather terms, metaphorical dark cloud Chinese, learn Chinese online.
  • Summary: Learn the meaning of 乌云 (wūyún), the Chinese word for a 'dark cloud' or 'black cloud'. This comprehensive guide explores how wūyún is used not only to describe a literal storm cloud but also as a powerful metaphor for trouble, gloom, or impending misfortune in Chinese culture. Optimized for beginner learners, this page includes character breakdowns, cultural insights, and over 10 practical example sentences to help you master this essential HSK 4 term.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): wūyún
  • Part of Speech: Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 4
  • Concise Definition: A dark or black cloud, often one that brings rain or a storm.
  • In a Nutshell: 乌云 (wūyún) is the word you use when you look up at the sky and see dark, heavy clouds that signal an approaching storm. Beyond its literal meaning, it's a very common and powerful metaphor in Chinese, just like “a dark cloud” in English. It can represent anything from a bad mood and personal troubles to larger societal problems like an economic downturn or political tension.

Character Breakdown

  • 乌 (wū): This character means “crow” and, by extension, “black” or “dark”. Crows are known for their black feathers, so the character carries this meaning of deep blackness. Think of it as a simplified picture of a bird, 鸟 (niǎo), but its dark color obscures some details.
  • 云 (yún): This character means “cloud”. It's a stylized pictograph that originally looked more like swirling clouds in the sky. It's the standard, general character for any type of cloud.
  • When combined, 乌云 (wūyún) literally translates to “black cloud,” a straightforward and logical combination that is easy for learners to remember.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, like in many others, dark clouds are a natural symbol of impending trouble. They block the sun (a symbol of light, hope, and the emperor/government in classical contexts), bring storms, and create a sense of gloom. This has cemented 乌云 as a potent metaphor in literature, poetry, and everyday speech.
  • A classic idiom, 乌云蔽日 (wū yún bì rì), literally “dark clouds cover the sun,” is used to describe a situation where evil, corruption, or injustice temporarily overshadows what is good and right.
  • Comparison to Western Culture: The metaphorical use of 乌云 is very similar to the English phrase “a dark cloud hanging over…” or “a dark cloud on the horizon.” Both cultures use the same natural imagery to represent misfortune or worry. However, the Chinese concept is often counterbalanced by idioms that focus on the eventual clearing of the clouds, such as 守得云开见月明 (shǒu dé yún kāi jiàn yuè míng) — “If you wait until the clouds part, you will see the bright moon,” which is a close parallel to “every cloud has a silver lining.” This reflects a cultural value of endurance and optimism in the face of hardship.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Describing the Weather: This is the most common and literal use. It's a standard part of any weather forecast or casual conversation about the weather.
  • Expressing Personal Feelings: It's often used to describe a gloomy mood or a feeling of sadness. You might say someone's face is covered in “dark clouds” (脸上布满了乌云) to mean they look very upset or worried.
  • Discussing Abstract Problems: In news reports, business meetings, or formal discussions, 乌云 is frequently used to refer to abstract threats like economic recession, international conflict, or a company's financial troubles. For example, “the dark clouds of a trade war” (贸易战的乌云).
  • Connotation & Formality: The connotation of 乌云 is almost always negative or ominous. It is a neutral term in terms of formality and can be used in both very casual speech and very formal written Chinese.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 天边飘来一片乌云，看来要下雨了。
    • Pinyin: Tiānbiān piāo lái yī piàn wūyún, kànlái yào xià yǔ le.
    • English: A dark cloud is drifting over from the horizon; it looks like it's going to rain.
    • Analysis: This is the most basic, literal usage of the term. Note the use of the measure word 片 (piàn) for clouds.
  • Example 2:
    • 听到这个坏消息，他的脸上布满了乌云。
    • Pinyin: Tīngdào zhège huài xiāoxi, tā de liǎn shàng bùmǎn le wūyún.
    • English: After hearing the bad news, his face was covered with dark clouds.
    • Analysis: A classic metaphorical use. It means his face showed extreme sadness, worry, or anger.
  • Example 3:
    • 经济衰退的乌云笼罩着整个国家。
    • Pinyin: Jīngjì shuāituì de wūyún lǒngzhào zhe zhěnggè guójiā.
    • English: The dark clouds of economic recession are hanging over the entire country.
    • Analysis: This example shows its use for large-scale, abstract problems. 笼罩 (lǒngzhào) means “to envelop” or “to shroud,” and is often paired with 乌云.
  • Example 4:
    • 尽管有乌云，但我们对未来仍然充满希望。
    • Pinyin: Jǐnguǎn yǒu wūyún, dàn wǒmen duì wèilái réngrán chōngmǎn xīwàng.
    • English: Although there are dark clouds, we are still full of hope for the future.
    • Analysis: This sentence uses 乌云 metaphorically for “difficulties” or “challenges” and contrasts it with a positive outlook.
  • Example 5:
    • 暴风雨来临前，天空总是乌云密布。
    • Pinyin: Bàofēngyǔ láilín qián, tiānkōng zǒngshì wūyún mìbù.
    • English: Before a storm arrives, the sky is always densely covered with dark clouds.
    • Analysis: The phrase 乌云密布 (wūyún mìbù) is a common four-character expression meaning “the sky is thick with dark clouds.”
  • Example 6:
    • 他们两人的关系上空出现了一片乌云。
    • Pinyin: Tāmen liǎng rén de guānxì shàngkōng chūxiàn le yī piàn wūyún.
    • English: A dark cloud has appeared over their relationship.
    • Analysis: A perfect example of using the metaphor to describe trouble in a personal relationship.
  • Example 7:
    • 你别担心，这片乌云很快就会散去的。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ bié dānxīn, zhè piàn wūyún hěn kuài jiù huì sàn qù de.
    • English: Don't you worry, this dark cloud will disperse soon.
    • Analysis: Here, 乌云 refers to a temporary problem. 散去 (sàn qù) means “to disperse” or “scatter,” often used for clouds, fog, or crowds.
  • Example 8:
    • 考试的压力就像一片乌云压在我的心头。
    • Pinyin: Kǎoshì de yālì jiù xiàng yī piàn wūyún yā zài wǒ de xīntóu.
    • English: The pressure of the exam is like a dark cloud weighing on my heart.
    • Analysis: This sentence uses a simile (就像… - just like…) to compare pressure (压力) to a 乌云.
  • Example 9:
    • 公司正努力驱散笼罩在市场上的乌云。
    • Pinyin: Gōngsī zhèng nǔlì qūsàn lǒngzhào zài shìchǎng shàng de wūyún.
    • English: The company is working hard to dispel the dark clouds hanging over the market.
    • Analysis: Shows an active attempt to solve a problem. 驱散 (qūsàn) means “to drive away” or “dispel.”
  • Example 10:
    • 只要我们团结一致，就一定能冲破眼前的乌云。
    • Pinyin: Zhǐyào wǒmen tuánjié yīzhì, jiù yīdìng néng chōngpò yǎnqián de wūyún.
    • English: As long as we are united, we can definitely break through the dark clouds before us.
    • Analysis: A motivational sentence using 乌云 to represent current obstacles that can be overcome.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • 乌云 (wūyún) vs. 云 (yún): A common mistake for beginners is to use the general word for cloud, 云 (yún), when they specifically mean a storm cloud. While technically not wrong, it's imprecise. If you want to say, “Look at those dark clouds, it's going to rain,” you must use 乌云. Saying `天上有云 (tiānshàng yǒu yún)` just means “there are clouds in the sky,” which could be white and fluffy.
  • False Friend Alert: While 乌云 is similar to the English metaphor “a dark cloud,” it is not the same as being “under a cloud,” which specifically implies being under suspicion or in disgrace. 乌云 refers to a more general sense of gloom, trouble, or impending misfortune, not necessarily suspicion.
  • Incorrect Usage Example:
    • He is under a cloud of suspicion.
    • Incorrect: 他在一片乌云下。(Tā zài yī piàn wūyún xià.) - This sounds very literal, as if he is physically standing under a cloud.
    • Correct: 他有作弊的嫌疑。(Tā yǒu zuòbì de xiányí.) - “He is suspected of cheating.” This is a more natural and accurate way to express the idea of suspicion.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 云 (yún) - The general term for “cloud.” 乌云 is a specific type of 云.
  • 下雨 (xià yǔ) - To rain. This is the most common consequence of 乌云.
  • 阴天 (yīntiān) - Overcast day/sky. This describes the general state of the sky being grey and sunless, whereas 乌云 refers to specific dark, heavy clouds.
  • 暴风雨 (bàofēngyǔ) - Storm, tempest. A severe weather event often preceded by 乌云.
  • 天气 (tiānqì) - Weather. The general topic in which 乌云 is most frequently used literally.
  • 愁云 (chóuyún) - Literally “sorrow-clouds.” A more literary term used metaphorically to describe an atmosphere of gloom and melancholy.
  • 乌云蔽日 (wū yún bì rì) - An idiom meaning “dark clouds obscure the sun,” used to describe a time when evil triumphs over good.
  • 拨云见日 (bō yún jiàn rì) - An idiom meaning “to part the clouds and see the sun.” It's an antonym concept to the gloom of 乌云, signifying the arrival of clarity or justice after a period of confusion or hardship.