Translation guide
The time when the sun goes below the horizon, or the visual phenomenon itself. Japanese has several words for sunset, each with different nuances and contexts.
Referring to sunset in everyday conversation, as a time of day or a beautiful scene.
The most common word for the setting sun or the sunset scenery. Focuses on the sun itself and its warm light.
The sunset is beautiful, isn't it?
I watched the sunset at the beach.
Refers to the red/orange glow of the evening sky after the sun has set. Emphasizes the colors and the atmospheric effect.
Today's sunset glow is especially beautiful.
The western sky is bright red with the sunset glow.
Formal or technical term for sunset, often used in weather forecasts, astronomy, or official contexts. Literally 'sun sink'.
Today's sunset time is 6:30 PM.
Referring to the period around sunset, often in scheduling or describing daily routines.
General word for early evening, roughly from sunset to nightfall. Commonly used in daily conversation.
Let's take a walk in the evening.
Dusk or nightfall, the time when it gets dark. Slightly literary or poetic, but still used in everyday speech.
Poetic word for twilight or dusk. Often used in literature or song lyrics. Can also metaphorically refer to the decline of something.
Using 'sunset' figuratively to describe the end of an era, life, or a golden age.
Similar to 夕方 but can carry a more poetic or melancholic nuance, suitable for metaphorical use.
Spending the sunset of one's life peacefully.
Formal word for the end or demise of something, often used for eras, empires, or life. Stronger than 'sunset' but conveys a similar finality.
夕日 (ゆうひ) refers to the sun itself as it sets, while 夕焼け (ゆうやけ) refers to the red glow in the sky. You can say 夕日が沈む (the sun sets), but not 夕焼けが沈む. Use 夕焼け when describing the colors of the sky.
I saw the sun setting.
The sunset glow is dyeing the sky red.
The English loanword サンセット is sometimes used in brand names or tourism, but it is not a natural way to say 'sunset' in Japanese conversation. Stick to native Japanese words.
We watched the sunset together.
The sunset was breathtaking.
It started raining in the evening.
I want to get home before dark.
黄昏の街を歩く。
Walking through the twilight streets.
帝国の終焉が近づいていた。
The sunset of the empire was approaching.