Translation guide
The period from late afternoon to just after sunset, roughly 4 PM to 7 PM. Japanese has several common expressions for this time, each with slightly different nuances and typical usage contexts.
Referring to the time of day from around 4 PM to sunset, often used in greetings or casual conversation.
The most common and neutral word for early evening, typically from around 4 PM until sunset. Used in daily conversation, weather forecasts, and writing.
夕方に散歩しましょう。
Let's take a walk in the early evening.
夕方から雨が降るそうです。
It's supposed to rain from the early evening.
A slightly more formal or literary term for early evening, often used in written language or announcements.
夕刻の鐘が鳴る。
The early evening bell rings.
A less common term that can mean early evening or nightfall. Mostly found in older literature or regional dialects.
晩方になって風が涼しくなった。
The wind became cool in the early evening.
Emphasizing the time when the sun is setting or the sky is still slightly bright after sunset.
Refers specifically to dusk or twilight, the dim light after sunset. Often carries a poetic or nostalgic nuance.
黄昏の空が美しい。
The twilight sky is beautiful.
Literally 'day's end', meaning nightfall or dusk. Commonly used in everyday language.
A formal or technical term for twilight or dusk, often used in official contexts like weather reports.
Saying 'good evening' when meeting someone during early evening hours.
The standard greeting for 'good evening', used from around sunset onwards. Note the particle は is pronounced 'wa'.
こんばんは、お元気ですか。
Good evening, how are you?
夕方 (ゆうがた) is the most common and neutral term for early evening, roughly 4 PM to sunset. 黄昏 (たそがれ) specifically refers to the twilight period after sunset and has a poetic feel. 日暮れ (ひぐれ) means nightfall and is used in everyday contexts like 'by dusk'.
夕方のニュースを見る。
I watch the early evening news.
黄昏時に写真を撮る。
I take photos at twilight.
日暮れが早くなった。
Nightfall comes earlier now.
I'll be back by dusk.
Please be careful of accidents during twilight hours.