Translation guide
The time in the morning when light first appears in the sky. Japanese has several words for this, ranging from everyday to poetic.
The time when the sun comes up or light first appears.
The most common and neutral word for dawn or daybreak. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
Let's leave before daybreak.
The sky at daybreak is beautiful.
Refers to the period around dawn, often used in weather forecasts or slightly more formal contexts.
The rain will likely stop around daybreak.
A literary or poetic word for dawn, often used in classical contexts or set phrases.
The stars faded in the daybreak sky.
Specifically the moment the sun rises above the horizon.
Literally 'sunrise'. Used for the exact time or event, like in weather reports or travel.
Tomorrow's sunrise is at 5:42.
We watched the sunrise from the mountaintop.
The very first light before sunrise, often with a poetic feel.
夜明け (yoake) is the general concept of dawn. 明け方 (akegata) is the time period around dawn, often used in forecasts. 日の出 (hinode) is the specific moment of sunrise.
Daybreak is near.
There was an earthquake around dawn.
I took a photo of the sunrise.
夜明け is safe for most situations. It can be used metaphorically as well, like 'the dawn of a new era' (新時代の夜明け).
We arrived at the village by daybreak.
The birds start singing at daybreak.
曙の空がほのかに赤い。
The daybreak sky is faintly red.