Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| crépuscule | /kʁe.pys.kyl/ | masculine |
| entre chien et loup | /ɑ̃.tʁə ʃjɛ̃ e lu/ |
The term crépuscule refers to the period of time at the end of the day when the sun is below the horizon but before the full onset of night. You can also use the idiom entre chien et loup to describe this twilight period, specifically referring to the time when the light is so dim that it is difficult to distinguish a dog from a wolf.
Which one should you use?
While crépuscule specifically refers to the period of light following sunset, the phrase la tombée de la nuit is a common alternative used to describe the actual onset of night.
How does it change in a sentence?
crépuscule is a masculine noun, so it is used with the definite article le or the indefinite article un.
How do you pronounce it?
crépuscule is pronounced /kʁe.pys.kyl/ in three syllables.
When do people say it?
The idiom entre chien et loup describes the dim light of dusk by suggesting a visual ambiguity where one might struggle to tell a dog from a wolf.
Did you know?
- The phrase entre chien et loup is a direct translation of the Latin inter canem et lupum, a sentiment recorded as early as the 2nd century CE.
Examples in context
- J'aime faire des exercices d'étirement au crépuscule.I like doing stretching exercises at dusk.This sentence shows how to use crépuscule when talking about the time of day for an activity.Tatoeba #4087074 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4085290 by mervert1
- Enfant, j'ai passé plusieurs années en Indonésie et entendu l'appel de l'adhan à la pointe de l'aube et à la tombée du crépuscule.As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk.This sentence demonstrates the use of crépuscule to describe the time of day when sounds are heard.Tatoeba #481691 by sacredceltic, translation #376885 by saeb
- Le crépuscule à Paris est tout simplement magnifiqueThe dusk in Paris is simply magnificent
- J'adore observer la tombée de la nuit près de la merI love watching the nightfall near the sea
- Profitons du soir qui tombe pour nous détendreLet's take advantage of the falling evening to relax
- Le ciel devient rose au crépuscule.The sky turns pink at dusk.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are planning a walk in the park.
- ChloéOn part se promener au crépuscule ?Shall we go for a walk at dusk?
- GabrielOui, c'est le moment le plus calme.Yes, it is the quietest time.
- ChloéLe crépuscule est parfait pour discuter.Dusk is perfect for chatting.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord, Gabriel est prêt !I agree, Gabriel is ready!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dusk” translations and entries crépuscule, entre chien et loup, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chien, crépuscule, entre, entre chien et loup, et, loup, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
