1.
evening glow; glow of the setting sun; sunset glow reflected on objects
The warm, reddish light cast by the setting sun, especially as it reflects off clouds, buildings, water, or landscapes. A poetic term evoking the beauty of dusk.
山が夕映えに染まった。
The mountain was bathed in the evening glow.
美しい夕映えを眺めていた。
I was gazing at the beautiful sunset glow.
湖面に映る夕映えが、息をのむほど美しかった。
The sunset glow reflected on the lake's surface was breathtakingly beautiful.
A compound of 夕 (evening) and 映え (reflection, glow). Refers specifically to the warm light of the setting sun reflected on surfaces — not the sunset itself, but the glow it casts on clouds, mountains, water, and buildings. A word with strong poetic and literary associations.
USAGE:
Frequently used in literature, poetry, and scenic descriptions. It conveys a sense of transient beauty and the fleeting quality of dusk. Also used in photography and art contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 夕映えに染まる — to be dyed in the sunset glow
- 夕映えの空 — the evening-glowing sky
- 夕映えが美しい — the sunset glow is beautiful
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 夕焼け — sunset, evening glow; the most common everyday word for a red sunset sky
- 朝焼け — morning glow; the sunrise equivalent
- 茜色 — madder red; the deep red color associated with sunset skies