下か弦げん

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 (first quarter moon).

See also: 上弦

• 今こん夜やは下か弦げんの月つきが見みえる。

  Tonight we can see the last quarter moon.

• 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 last quarter moon is visible in the southern sky around dawn.