Meaning and Usage
The verb 曇る (くもる) primarily means "to become cloudy" referring to the sky or weather. It can also describe something becoming dim or foggy, such as glasses or a person's expression.
Common Contexts
- Weather: Used to describe the sky when clouds cover the sun, often implying a change in weather.
- Facial expressions: Used metaphorically to describe a person's face becoming gloomy or troubled.
- Objects: Describes surfaces like glasses or windows becoming fogged or dimmed.
Collocations and Patterns
- 空が曇る (そらがくもる): The sky becomes cloudy.
- 顔が曇る (かおがくもる): A face becomes gloomy or troubled.
- メガネが曇る (めがねがくもる): Glasses fog up.
Register and Usage Notes
曇る is a neutral verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is often used in weather forecasts and daily talk about the weather. When used metaphorically for expressions, it conveys a subtle emotional change.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 曇る with 靄がかかる (もやがかかる), which means "to be misty or hazy." 曇る specifically refers to cloudiness or fogging, not general haze or mist.