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.
Let's take a walk in the early evening.
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.
The early evening bell rings.
A less common term that can mean early evening or nightfall. Mostly found in older literature or regional dialects.
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.
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'.
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'.
I watch the early evening news.
I take photos at twilight.
Nightfall comes earlier now.
I'll be back by dusk.
Please be careful of accidents during twilight hours.