crépuscule
/kʁe.pys.kyl/masculine
In French, twilight is expressed as crépuscule or demi-jour.
Meaning: light before rising and after the setting of the Sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| demi-jour | masculine | |
| crépuscule | /kʁe.pys.kyl/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the light that occurs before the sun rises or after the sun has set. crépuscule can also be used metaphorically in the phrase le crépuscule de to describe the final stages or the decline of something, such as an era or a life.
Which one should you use?
While crépuscule is evening twilight, aube is the term used for dawn or morning twilight.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both demi-jour and crépuscule are masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- While crépuscule is the standard term, French poets often use entre chien et loup, meaning 'between dog and wolf', to describe the moment of twilight.
- The word crépuscule shares an ancient root with the English word 'crepuscular', which is used by scientists to describe animals that are most active during twilight.
- In French, the term l'heure bleue is often used to describe that specific, magical shade of twilight, much like the English 'blue hour'.
Examples in context
- Ils arrivèrent au crépuscule.They arrived at twilight.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of crépuscule to indicate a time of arrival.Tatoeba #4221812 by Rovo, translation #2268766 by _undertoad
- Au crépuscule, la neige semble bleue.At twilight, snow looks blue.This sentence shows how to describe visual changes in nature using crépuscule.Tatoeba #8457631 by Aiji, translation #7871677 by AlanF_US
- Nous nous trouvons au crépuscule de notre civilisation.We find ourselves in the twilight of our civilization.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical usage of crépuscule to describe a period of decline.Tatoeba #10373511 by lbdx, translation #28869 by AlanF_US
- J'aime me promener pendant le crépuscule.I love walking during the twilight.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are planning a walk in the park.
- GabrielOn se promène au crépuscule ?Shall we take a walk at twilight?
- ChloéOui, j'adore cette lumière.Yes, I love that light.
- GabrielC'est le moment le plus calme.It is the calmest moment.
- ChloéC'est vrai, allons-y, Gabriel.That's true, let's go, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twilight” translations and entries crépuscule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crépuscule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
