Inklingo

How to Say "dusk" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atardecer

ah-tar-deh-sehrataɾðeˈseɾ

nounA1general
Use 'atardecer' when referring to the specific time of day just before nightfall, often associated with the visual beauty of the setting sun.
A large orange sun dipping below the calm ocean horizon with pink and purple clouds.

Examples

Vimos un atardecer precioso en la playa.

We saw a beautiful sunset at the beach.

Me gusta salir a caminar al atardecer.

I like to go out for a walk at sunset.

Using 'al'

When you want to say 'at sunset', combine 'a' and 'el' to make 'al atardecer'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “la atardecer”

Correction: el atardecer (it is a masculine noun).

anochecer

ah-no-che-sehranotʃeˈθer

nounB1general
Use 'anochecer' to describe the general period when daylight fades and night begins to fall, focusing on the transition itself rather than the visual spectacle.
A peaceful countryside scene at dusk with a soft orange glow on the horizon and silhouettes of trees.

Examples

Me encanta ver el anochecer desde el balcón.

I love watching the dusk from the balcony.

Al anochecer, las luces de la ciudad se encienden.

At nightfall, the city lights turn on.

Nouns from Verbs

In Spanish, the base form of many nature verbs can also act as a masculine noun by adding 'el' in front.

Atardecer vs. Anochecer

Learners often confuse 'atardecer' and 'anochecer' because both relate to the end of the day. Remember that 'atardecer' is more about the visual event of sunset, while 'anochecer' refers more broadly to the process of night beginning.

Related Translations

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