Translation guide
The time of day when the sun rises, or the beginning of something. Japanese has distinct words for the time of day, the action of the sun rising, and metaphorical beginnings.
Referring to the period when the sky gets light before sunrise or just as the sun appears.
The moment the sun appears above the horizon.
Specifically the sunrise event. Used in daily conversation, weather reports, and travel contexts.
The start of a new period, age, or development.
夜明け is the general period of dawn, 明け方 is a slightly more formal time reference often used in forecasts, and 日の出 is the specific moment of sunrise. Use 夜明け for most everyday situations.
The English word 'dawn' is sometimes transcribed as ドーン, but this is not used for the time of day. It may appear in names or as onomatopoeia for a loud sound.
The most common and neutral word for dawn, literally 'night ending'. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
夜明け前に出発しよう。
Let's leave before dawn.
夜明けの空が美しい。
The sky at dawn is beautiful.
Refers to the time around dawn, often used in weather forecasts or slightly formal contexts.
明け方には雨が上がるでしょう。
The rain will stop around dawn.
A literary or poetic word for dawn, often used in classical contexts or set phrases.
暁の空に星が残っていた。
Stars lingered in the dawn sky.
明日の日の出は5時です。
Sunrise tomorrow is at 5 o'clock.
山頂で日の出を見た。
I watched the sunrise from the mountaintop.
Also used metaphorically for the dawn of a new era, just like in English.
新しい時代の夜明けだ。
It's the dawn of a new era.
Literally 'curtain opening', used for the beginning of an event, era, or story. More dramatic than 夜明け.
新時代の幕開けを告げる出来事だった。
It was an event that heralded the dawn of a new era.