Darkness; the absence of light, such as at night or in a dark place.
冬の夜、闇が街を覆って静かだった。
On a winter night, darkness covered the town and it was quiet.
懐中電灯がなければ闇の中で道が見えない。
Without a flashlight, you can't see the road in the dark.
深い闇の中で目が慣れるまで時間がかかった。
It took time for my eyes to get used to the deep darkness.
A metaphorical darkness: bewilderment, despair, or a feeling of hopelessness in one's mind or life situation.
失敗続きで彼は深い闇に沈んでいた。
After repeated failures, he was plunged into deep despair.
そのニュースを聞いて心に闇が広がった。
Upon hearing that news, a sense of darkness spread in my heart.
悩みが多くて将来に対する闇を感じている。
I have many worries and feel a sense of gloom about the future.
A hidden place or secrecy; things kept out of sight or buried (e.g., secrets, cover-ups).
真相は闇に葬られて、誰にも分からなかった。
The truth was buried in darkness and no one knew it.
その契約には多くの闇が含まれていた。
That contract contained many hidden dealings.
闇に隠れた取引が明るみに出た。
The dealings hidden in the dark came to light.
The black market or shady, illegal transactions; illicit channels of trade or finance.
あの会社は闇取引に関与していると疑われている。
That company is suspected of being involved in illegal dealings.
薬は闇市場で高値で売られていた。
The drugs were being sold at high prices on the black market.
闇金融からの借金で生活が苦しくなった。
Life became difficult due to loans from loan sharks (illegal lenders).