Translation guide
The English word "glum" describes a mood of quiet sadness, dejection, or sullenness. In Japanese, this feeling is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and phrases that convey looking or feeling down, gloomy, or dispirited.
To describe a person's mood or expression as quietly sad, dejected, or sullen.
A common noun/adjective meaning 'gloom' or 'melancholy'. Often used to describe a depressed mood or atmosphere. Can be used in the phrase 憂鬱な顔 (gloomy face).
To describe a situation, place, or general mood as gloomy, cheerless, or depressing.
憂鬱 (yūutsu) is a noun/adjective that describes a deep, lingering melancholy. 陰気 (inki) emphasizes a cheerless, sullen disposition or atmosphere. 沈む (shizumu) is a verb that focuses on the sinking feeling of becoming depressed. Use 憂鬱 for clinical or poetic gloom, 陰気 for a person's sullen character, and 沈む for a temporary drop in mood.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'glum'. Using a dictionary to find a direct equivalent may lead to unnatural expressions. Instead, choose the option that best fits the context: facial expression, mood, or atmosphere.
彼は憂鬱な顔をしていた。
He had a glum look on his face.
Means 'gloomy', 'dismal', or 'somber'. Describes a person's mood or a place's atmosphere. Often used for a sullen, cheerless disposition.
彼女は陰気な表情で座っていた。
She sat with a glum expression.
Verb meaning 'to sink', but metaphorically 'to feel depressed' or 'to be in low spirits'. Often used as 気分が沈む (to feel down).
悪い知らせを聞いて、気分が沈んだ。
I felt glum after hearing the bad news.
Verb meaning 'to mope' or 'to be sunk in gloom'. Implies withdrawing into oneself due to sadness.
彼は失恋してふさぎ込んでいる。
He's been glum since his breakup.
Literally 'has no energy', used to describe someone who looks down or dispirited. A very common, natural way to say someone seems glum.
今日は元気がないね。何かあったの？
You look glum today. Did something happen?
Means 'gloomy' or 'dismal', often used for weather or atmosphere. Stronger than 憂鬱 and more literary.
陰鬱な空模様だ。
The sky looks glum.
Basic word for 'dark', but also means 'gloomy' or 'depressing' when describing mood or atmosphere.
部屋の中が暗い雰囲気だった。
There was a glum atmosphere in the room.