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ocaso means sunset — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 28, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

ocaso

noun • /[oh-KAH-soh]/

sunset

Example:

El ocaso tiñó el cielo de rojo profundo.

The sunset dyed the sky a deep red.

🧠 What does ocaso mean?

Ocaso is a beautiful and evocative Spanish word that primarily means "sunset." It paints a picture of the sun dipping below the horizon, often with vibrant colors. Beyond its literal meaning, ocaso can also poetically refer to the decline or end of something, like the ocaso of an empire or a career.

📚 Extra examples

  • El ocaso sobre el océano era impresionante.
    The sunset over the ocean was breathtaking.
  • Contemplábamos el ocaso en silencio.
    We contemplated the sunset in silence.
  • El ocaso de su carrera llegó demasiado pronto.
    The decline of his career came too soon.
  • Muchos historiadores han escrito sobre el ocaso del Imperio Romano.
    Many historians have written about the fall of the Roman Empire.

💡 Did You Know?

While ocaso refers to sunset, it shares a root with the word 'occidental,' meaning 'western.' This connection reflects the sun's setting in the west.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ocaso"

Synonyms: atardecer, puesta del sol, crepúsculo
Opposites: amanecer, salida del sol

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'sunset' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'sunset' in Spanish is 'ocaso.' Other options include 'atardecer' and 'puesta del sol,' although 'ocaso' carries a more poetic and literary connotation.
How do you pronounce 'ocaso' in Spanish?
It's pronounced oh-CAH-soh, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'ocaso' in a sentence?
You can use 'ocaso' to describe a literal sunset, as in 'El ocaso era hermoso' (The sunset was beautiful). You can also use it figuratively, like 'El ocaso de su reinado' (The decline of his reign).
What is the English translation of 'ocaso'?
The primary translation is 'sunset.' It can also mean 'decline,' 'end,' or 'twilight' in a figurative sense.
Does 'ocaso' change for gender or number?
No, 'ocaso' is a masculine noun and doesn't change its form for plural. If you want to talk about multiple sunsets, you would say 'los ocasos.'
Is 'ocaso' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood by everyone, 'ocaso' is perhaps slightly more common in literature and formal settings. 'Atardecer' and 'puesta del sol' are more frequent in everyday conversations.
Does 'ocaso' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'ocaso' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. It's a fairly straightforward word.
Is 'ocaso' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'ocaso' are consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

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