atardecer
/ataɾdeˈθeɾ/
The Spanish word atardecer means sunset.
atardecer can be used to describe the time of day when the sun goes down and the sky becomes dark. It translates to "sunset" in English.
Which one should you use?
While atardecer refers to the period of time or the process of the day ending, the phrase puesta de sol is the specific term for the physical event of the sun setting below the horizon.
How does it change in a sentence?
atardecer can function as both an intransitive verb meaning "to become evening" or "to grow dark" and as a noun meaning "sunset" or "dusk". The noun form is identical to the infinitive verb form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ataɾdeˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- In some regions, people use the phrase caer la tarde to describe the atardecer, which literally translates to 'the afternoon falling'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the period of atardecer is associated with the 'hora del té' or 'merienda', a light afternoon meal that is more social than a quick snack.
- The suffix -ecer in atardecer is an ancient verbalizing element that traces back to the Latin '-ēscō', used to indicate the beginning of a state.
Examples in context
- El atardecer es muy hermoso.The sunset is very beautiful.
- Me encanta ver el atardecer en la playa.I love watching the sunset at the beach.
- El atardecer fue muy colorido hoy.The sunset was very colorful today.
- Debemos regresar antes del atardecer.We must return before sunset.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are walking in a park during the evening.
- SofíaMira qué bonito es el atardecer.Look how beautiful the sunset is.
- JavierSí, es un momento muy tranquilo.Yes, it is a very peaceful moment.
- SofíaJavier, ¿quieres tomar una foto?Javier, do you want to take a photo?
- JavierClaro, me parece una excelente idea.Sure, I think that is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry atardecer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atardecer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
