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atardecer means to get dark; sunset (noun*) — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 14, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

atardecer

verb • /[ah-tar-deh-SER]/

to get dark; sunset (noun*)

Example:

La excursión termina al atardecer en la playa.

The tour ends at sunset on the beach.

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🧠 What does atardecer mean?

Atardecer is a beautifully evocative Spanish verb that primarily means 'to get dark' or 'to grow dusky.' It refers to that magical time of day when the sun begins to set and the sky transforms into a canvas of warm colors. It's often used poetically and can also refer to the sunset itself (as a noun). So, you can use it to describe the action of the day growing dark or to talk about the sunset as a noun. Thinking of it as 'the moment of sunsetting' can be helpful.

📚 Extra examples

  • Me encanta ver el atardecer en la playa.
    I love watching the sunset at the beach.
  • Anoche, el atardecer fue espectacular.
    Last night, the sunset was spectacular.
  • Vamos a la costa a ver cómo atardece.
    Let's go to the coast to watch the sunset / to watch it get dark.
  • Atardeció rápidamente y tuvimos que encender las linternas.
    It got dark quickly and we had to turn on our flashlights.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to get dark; sunset' in Spanish?
You can say 'atardecer' (verb) or 'el atardecer' (noun, meaning sunset). Other words for sunset include 'puesta del sol' (more literal, 'setting of the sun') and 'ocaso.'
How do you pronounce 'atardecer' in Spanish?
It's pronounced a-tar-de-SER (emphasis on the last syllable). The 'c' before the 'e' makes an 's' sound.
How do you use 'atardecer' in a sentence?
You can use 'atardecer' as a verb: 'Atardece temprano en invierno' (It gets dark early in winter) or as a noun: 'El atardecer de hoy fue hermoso' (Today's sunset was beautiful).
What is the English translation of 'atardecer'?
The English translation of 'atardecer' is 'to get dark' or 'sunset'.
Does 'atardecer' change for gender or number?
When used as a verb, yes, it conjugates like other -er verbs. When used as a noun (meaning 'sunset'), it's always masculine singular ('el atardecer').
Is 'atardecer' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'atardecer' is quite common and understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Does 'atardecer' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'atardecer' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. It's a straightforward and universally understood word.
Is 'atardecer' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'atardecer' are consistent across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'atardecer' in Spanish?
Here are some common conjugations: atardezco (I get dark/I spend sunset), atardeces, atardece, atardecemos, atardecéis, atardecen.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "atardecer"

Synonyms: anochecer, puesta del sol, ocaso
Opposites: amanecer, alba

💡 Did You Know?

Many Spanish speakers use the reflexive form, 'se atardece,' which is similar to the English impersonal 'it's getting dark.' For example, 'Se atardece rápidamente en las montañas' (It gets dark quickly in the mountains).

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