crepúsculo
/kɾeˈpus.ku.lu/masculine
The English phrase twilight is translated into Portuguese as crepúsculo. Wiktionary also lists lusco-fusco.
Meaning: light before rising and after the setting of the Sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| crepúsculo | /kɾeˈpus.ku.lu/ (Brazil) /kɾeˈpuʃ.ku.lu/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
| lusco-fusco | /ˌlus.kuˈfus.ku/ (Brazil) /ˌluʃ.kuˈfuʃ.ku/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
The term refers to the light visible in the sky before the sun rises or after it has set. Crepúsculo is a versatile and common term used to describe this period of light.
Which one should you use?
crepúsculo is the formal or literary term for twilight, whereas lusco-fusco is a more common and informal way to refer to twilight or dusk. To be even more specific in formal contexts, you can use crepúsculo matutino for dawn or morning twilight and crepúsculo vespertino for dusk or evening twilight.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, especially in Brazil, the term entardecer is commonly used to mean twilight.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both crepúsculo and lusco-fusco are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾeˈpus.ku.lu/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian folklore, the lusco-fusco period is often associated with the appearance of supernatural beings or the 'hour' when the veil between worlds is thin.
- The word crepúsculo comes from the Latin word crepusculum, which is a diminutive form of creper, meaning 'dusky' or 'dark'.
- The word entardecer is actually a verb in Portuguese, meaning 'to become evening', though it is often used to describe the twilight period itself.
Examples in context
- Eu adoro o crepúsculo.I love twilight.This sentence shows how to express a personal liking for the twilight using crepúsculo.Tatoeba #2748915 by carlosalberto, translation #2730472 by AlanF_US
- Nós nos encontramos no crepúsculo de nossa civilização.We find ourselves in the twilight of our civilization.This sentence uses crepúsculo in a metaphorical sense regarding a civilization.Tatoeba #8006697 by lucasmg123, translation #28869 by AlanF_US
- De alguma forma, a neve silenciosa, o trânsito cada vez menor, o crepúsculo que se aproximava, combinavam-se numa sensação de presságio sinistro.Somehow the silent snow, the waning traffic, the oncoming twilight, combined into a sense of ominous portent.This sentence illustrates the use of crepúsculo in a descriptive, atmospheric context.Tatoeba #12064370 by Cangarejo, translation #12064369 by Cangarejo
- O anoitecer na praia é deslumbrante.The twilight on the beach is stunning.
- A cidade ganha uma atmosfera mágica durante o anoitecer.The city takes on a magical atmosphere during twilight.
- Vamos caminhar na praça ao entardecer, quando o crepúsculo enfeita o céu.Let's walk in the square at dusk, when twilight adorns the sky.
- O crepúsculo é a minha hora favorita do dia.Twilight is my favorite time of the day.
- Caminhar na sombra do entardecer é sempre maravilhoso.Walking in the twilight's shadow is always wonderful.
- Gosto de apreciar o entardecer na praia.I enjoy watching the twilight on the beach.
- Quando o entardecer chega, começa a refrescar um pouco.When twilight arrives, it starts to cool down a bit.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are sitting on a balcony watching the sky.
- RodrigoO crepúsculo está muito bonito hoje.The twilight is very beautiful today.
- JulianaSim, as cores no céu são incríveis.Yes, the colors in the sky are incredible.
- RodrigoEu gosto de observar esse momento.I like to observe this moment.
- JulianaEu também, traz uma paz enorme.Me too, it brings huge peace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twilight” translations and entries crepúsculo, lusco-fusco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crepúsculo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
