How to say "pitch-black" in Japanese

• 真っ暗まっくらJLPT N2approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers the 'completely dark' sense of 'pitch-black': a place with no light at all, stressing total darkness of the surroundings, as in a room with the lights off or a street at night.
  外そとは真っ暗まっくらだった。↗

  It was pitch black outside.
• 射干玉ぬばたま
  no-adjectiveA much less common word that denotes pitch-black darkness itself. For saying that a room, night, or path is completely dark, it is seldom the word you want; 真っ暗 is the common choice.

For saying a place is completely dark, 「真っ暗」 is the common word; 射干玉, far less common, denotes pitch-black darkness itself and is seldom the word learners need for dark rooms or nights.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 真っ暗まっくらpitch-dark
• 射干玉ぬばたまpitch-black