下か弦げんの月つき

expression, noun

last quarter moon; third quarter moon; waning half-moon

Astronomical term for the moon phase when the left half is illuminated (in the Northern Hemisphere). Often contrasted with 上弦の月 (first quarter moon).

See also: 上弦の月

• 今こん夜やは下か弦げんの月つきがきれいに見みえる。

  Tonight the last quarter moon is clearly visible.

• 下か弦げんの月つきは明あけ方がたに南みなみの空そらに見みえる。

  The third quarter moon can be seen in the southern sky around dawn.