下弦(かげん)

かげん
noun
last quarter moon; waning half-moon
1. last quarter moon; waning half-moon; third quarter
The phase of the moon approximately one week after the full moon, when the left half of the moon is illuminated (as seen from the Northern Hemisphere).
今夜(こんや)は下弦(かげん)の月(つき)だ。
Tonight is a last quarter moon.
下弦(かげん)の月(つき)は真夜中(まよなか)に昇(のぼ)る。
The last quarter moon rises at midnight.
満月(まんげつ)から下弦(かげん)を経(へ)て、やがて新月(しんげつ)になる。
After the full moon, it passes through the last quarter and eventually becomes a new moon.

One of the four principal lunar phases. The word literally means 'lower bowstring,' referring to the shape of the half-moon resembling the lower half of a drawn bow.

MOON PHASE VOCABULARY:

  • 新月(しんげつ): new moon
  • 上弦(じょうげん): first quarter moon (waxing half-moon)
  • 満月(まんげつ): full moon
  • 下弦(かげん): last quarter moon (waning half-moon)
  • 三日月(みかづき): crescent moon

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 下弦(かげん)の月(つき): the last quarter moon

ETYMOLOGY:
弦(げん) means 'bowstring.' When the half-moon's flat edge faces downward (as it appears when setting), it resembles the bottom string of a bow — hence 下弦(かげん) (lower bowstring). The opposite is 上弦(じょうげん) (upper bowstring).

general
Added 2026.4.9 0:44
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