Spanish word of the day: Crepúsculo

The magical light between day and night

What does crepúsculo mean?

Crepúsculo (masculine noun)The soft, glowing light in the sky just before sunrise or just after sunset, when the sun is below the horizon but its rays still illuminate the atmosphere. In English, the closest word is “twilight.” It can also be used metaphorically to talk about the final phase or decline of something, like “el crepúsculo de su vida” (the twilight of his life).

Example sentences with crepúsculo

  • Me encanta pasear durante el crepúsculo, cuando el cielo se tiñe de colores suaves.
    🌅 I love taking walks during twilight, when the sky turns soft colors.

  • El crepúsculo de la mañana anuncia la llegada de un nuevo día.
    🌄 The morning twilight signals the start of a new day.

  • En el crepúsculo de su carrera, decidió escribir sus memorias.
    📖 In the twilight of his career, he decided to write his memoirs.

Crepúsculo in context

Crepúsculo is a word that brings a touch of poetry to everyday Spanish. You’ll hear it in weather reports, literature, and even casual conversation whenever someone wants to evoke the beauty or mystery of those moments when day meets night. If you’re describing a sunset stroll, a peaceful dawn, or the gentle fading of light after a long day, crepúsculo is the perfect choice.

This word is especially useful when you want to set a mood-maybe you’re talking about a romantic evening, a reflective morning, or even the bittersweet feeling as something comes to an end. In Spanish, crepúsculo isn’t just for nature lovers; it’s also a favorite in songs, poems, and films to convey transition, nostalgia, or new beginnings. If you want to sound natural and a bit poetic, try using crepúsculo when you notice that special light at the edges of the day, or when you want to talk about the final, gentle moments of any phase in life.

See you tomorrow with a new Spanish word!

—Teacher Víctor