1.
night, evening
The dark part of the day, from sunset until dawn.
夜 is the primary word for night, covering the period from sunset to dawn.
TIME OF DAY SEQUENCE:
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 夜ごはん/晩ごはん: dinner
- 今夜: tonight
- 昨夜/ゆうべ: last night
- 毎晩: every night
- 夜中: midnight, middle of the night
- 夜遅く: late at night
COMPOUNDS:
CONTRAST WITH 晩:
夜 refers to night generally; 晩 often refers specifically to evening/dinnertime.