wūyún: 乌云 - Dark Cloud, Black Cloud

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.