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A2 verb #6,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

暮れる

kureru
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 暮れる en 30 secondes
Explication 暮れる in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'kureru,' which is the sun setting. Think of it as a simple way to describe the end of the day. You will mostly see it in the phrase 'Hi ga kureru.' This is very useful when you want to say that it's time to go home or that the day is over. For beginners, it's important to remember that this word is a verb, not an adjective like 'dark.' In English, we say 'It is getting dark,' but in Japanese, we say 'The sun is kureru-ing.' You might hear teachers or parents say this to children when they are playing outside. At this stage, don't worry about the advanced meanings like 'the year ending' or 'being sad.' Just focus on the sunset. Remember the sound: 'ku-re-ru.' It sounds a bit like the 'give' word, but at A1, you usually learn 'kureru' (to give) first. Just look for the context of the sun (hi) or the evening (yugata). If you see 'Hi ga...', it's almost certainly the sunset meaning. Practice saying 'Hi ga kuremashita' to mean 'The sun has set.' This will help you get used to the past tense of Ichidan verbs as well. It's a very natural part of daily life in Japan, as the sunset marks a clear transition in the day's atmosphere.
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As an A2 learner, you can start using 'kureru' in more complex sentences, particularly using the 'te-form' or 'mae ni' (before). For example, 'Hi ga kureru mae ni kaerimashō' (Let's go home before the sun sets). This is a very practical sentence for daily life. You should also be aware that 'kureru' is an intransitive verb, which means it doesn't take an object. You don't use the particle 'o' with it. Instead, you use 'ga' for the sun or the day. At this level, you might also be introduced to the idea of the year ending ('toshi ga kureru'). This is very common in December. You will see it on signs and hear it in greetings. It's a good time to learn the difference between 'owaru' and 'kureru.' Remember that 'kureru' is for natural things like the day and the year. If you are talking about a movie or a class, use 'owaru.' At A2, your goal is to use 'kureru' to describe the environment around you. You might say 'Kurete kita ne' (It's started to get dark) when you are out with friends. This 'te-kita' form is very common with 'kureru' because it shows a change that is happening right now. It adds a natural, conversational feel to your Japanese. You are moving beyond simple facts to describing the flow of time.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with both the daily sunset meaning and the seasonal 'end of the year' meaning of 'kureru.' You will start to see the noun form 'Kure' (暮れ) used to refer to the year-end period itself. For example, 'Kure no isogashii toki' (The busy time at the end of the year). You should also begin to learn the idiomatic expressions. The most important one at this level is 'tohō ni kureru' (to be at a loss). You might use this in a story or when describing a difficult situation. For instance, 'Saifu o nakushite, tohō ni kureta' (I lost my wallet and was at a total loss). This shows a deeper understanding of the word's nuance—that 'darkness' can also represent a lack of direction or hope. You should also pay attention to how 'kureru' is used in writing versus speaking. In writing, it often sets a mood, while in speaking, it's often a practical observation. You can also start using the causative or passive forms, though they are less common. The most important thing at B1 is to distinguish 'kureru' from similar verbs like 'shizumu' (to sink/set) and 'kuraku naru' (to become dark). 'Shizumu' is about the physical sun, while 'kureru' is about the arrival of the evening as a period of time. Using these correctly will make your descriptions of time and atmosphere much more precise.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the more literary and emotional nuances of 'kureru.' This includes the phrase 'kanashimi ni kureru' (to be lost in grief) or 'namida ni kureru' (to be in a sea of tears). At this stage, you should recognize that 'kureru' can describe a state where someone is so overwhelmed by an emotion that it's as if their 'day' or 'clarity' has ended. You'll encounter this in novels, dramas, and sophisticated news reports. You should also be able to use the word in the context of seasons, such as 'aki ga kureru' (autumn is ending), which is a more poetic way of saying the season is drawing to a close. Your understanding of the word should now include its connection to the Japanese aesthetic of 'mono no aware'—the pathos of things or a sensitivity to ephemera. The sunset and the end of the year are classic examples of this. You should also be able to explain the difference between 'kureru' and 'akeru' (to open/dawn). 'Akeru' is the start of the day or the New Year, while 'kureru' is the end. This pair is fundamental to Japanese temporal logic. In your own output, try to use 'kureru' to add flavor to your descriptions of time. Instead of just saying 'It became 5 PM,' you might say 'The day began to kureru,' which evokes a much stronger image of the changing light and atmosphere.
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By the C1 level, you should have a nuanced grasp of the etymological and historical roots of 'kureru.' The word is related to 'kurai' (dark), and its kanji 暮 contains the element for 'sun' (日) tucked between 'grass' (莫), suggesting the sun disappearing into the horizon or foliage. You should be able to appreciate the word's use in classical literature, such as the Manyoshu or the Tale of Genji, where it often carries heavy symbolic weight regarding the passage of time and the inevitability of change. You should also be familiar with less common idioms, such as 'yo o kureru' (to spend one's days/life), though this is more archaic. At this level, you can analyze how 'kureru' functions as a 'kigo' (season word) in haiku, specifically for winter or the end of the year. You should be able to discuss the subtle differences between 'hi ga kureru,' 'hi ga ochiru,' and 'hi ga shizumu' in a stylistic context. 'Hi ga ochiru' (the sun drops) is more sudden and visual, while 'hi ga kureru' is more about the atmospheric shift. Your mastery should allow you to use the word in abstract contexts, perhaps in a philosophical discussion about the 'ending' of an era or the 'darkening' of a political situation. You are no longer just using a verb; you are using a cultural concept that encapsulates the Japanese view of time as a cycle of fading and beginning.
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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'kureru' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can detect the most subtle connotations in literary prose, where 'kureru' might be used to foreshadow a character's demise or the end of a long-standing tradition. You understand its place within the broader system of Japanese verbs of change and state. You can effortlessly switch between the literal sunset, the seasonal year-end, and the deeply metaphorical emotional states. You might even explore the word's relationship with other 'ku-' initial words related to darkness or hidden states, like 'kuru' (to come/unfold) or 'kura' (warehouse). You are aware of the word's phonetic evolution and its role in the development of the Japanese language's unique way of expressing time. In your own writing, you can use 'kureru' to create sophisticated imagery, perhaps playing on the double meaning of a day ending and a life drawing to a close. You can participate in academic discussions about the linguistics of intransitivity in Japanese and why 'kureru' lacks a direct transitive counterpart in many contexts. Your command of the word allows you to use it with perfect register, whether you are giving a formal speech at a year-end ceremony or writing a piece of creative fiction that relies on atmospheric depth. You recognize 'kureru' not just as a verb, but as a fundamental building block of the Japanese temporal and emotional landscape.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

暮れる en 30 secondes

  • Primary meaning: The sun setting and evening arriving.
  • Secondary meaning: The natural end of a year or season.
  • Idiomatic meaning: Being lost in emotion or at a loss.
  • Grammar: Intransitive verb, usually used with the particle 'ga'.

The Japanese verb 暮れる (kureru) is a multifaceted term that primarily describes the transition of time toward an end or a darkening state. In its most literal sense, it refers to the sun setting and the evening beginning to take hold. However, its utility extends far beyond daily celestial movements, encompassing the conclusion of seasons, the end of a calendar year, and even profound emotional states where one is 'lost' in a particular feeling. Understanding 暮れる requires a shift in perspective from seeing time as a simple clock-tick to seeing it as a fading or closing process. When you use this word, you are often highlighting the transition from light to dark or from activity to rest.

Literal Sunset
The most common usage is 'Hi ga kureru' (日が暮れる), which translates to 'the day gets dark' or 'the sun sets.' It implies the period of dusk when the visibility decreases and the day's work is coming to a close.

冬は日が暮れるのが早いです。(In winter, the sun sets early.)

Beyond the daily cycle, 暮れる is the standard verb for the ending of a year. Unlike 'owaru' (to finish), which can feel abrupt, 暮れる suggests a gradual winding down, a sense of completion that carries cultural weight in Japan, especially during the 'Bounenkai' (year-forgetting party) season. It captures the atmosphere of December as the days grow short and the year naturally concludes. Furthermore, in more advanced or literary contexts, the word describes being overwhelmed by emotion. For instance, 'kanashimi ni kureru' (to be lost in grief) suggests that the person is so enveloped by sadness that they cannot see a way out, much like being lost in the darkness of night.

Temporal Conclusion
When applied to the year (年), it signifies the final days of December. It is rarely used for weeks or months, as those are seen as more administrative units of time rather than natural cycles.

今年もいよいよ暮れようとしています。(This year is finally coming to an end.)

In summary, 暮れる is a word of transition. It is the bridge between light and dark, between the current year and the next, or between clarity and emotional overwhelm. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it happens naturally without a direct object acting upon it. You don't 'set' the day; the day 'sets' itself. This reflects a Japanese linguistic tendency to describe natural phenomena as autonomous processes that humans simply observe and react to.

Using 暮れる (kureru) correctly requires an understanding of its intransitive nature and its specific collocations. As an Ichidan verb, its conjugation is straightforward: kuremasu (polite), kureta (past), kurenai (negative). The most essential pattern to master is [Subject] + が + 暮れる. The subject is almost always a time-related noun like 日 (hi - day/sun) or 年 (toshi - year). Because it describes a natural progression, it is often used in the past tense to state that something has already happened, or in the 'te-form' to connect it to a following action.

Daily Routine Context
Commonly used when discussing when to go home or the end of outdoor activities. 'Hi ga kureru mae ni' (Before the sun sets) is a very frequent phrase.

日が暮れる前に、山を下りましょう。(Let's go down the mountain before it gets dark.)

When describing emotional states, the particle 'ni' (に) is used to indicate the emotion one is immersed in. This is a more literary or dramatic usage. Common emotions include grief (kanashimi), tears (namida), and confusion (tohō). For example, 'tohō ni kureru' is a set idiom meaning to be at a total loss or at one's wits' end, literally meaning to be lost in the 'way' or 'direction'. This usage shifts the meaning from 'darkening' to 'being enveloped' or 'blinded' by a state of being.

Seasonal Transitions
In Japanese culture, the end of the year is more than a date; it is a season called 'Kure'. You will see signs in shops saying 'Kure no go-aisatsu' (Year-end greetings).

今年も残すところあとわずか、年が暮れていきます。(There is only a little left of this year; the year is drawing to a close.)

Another important nuance is the progressive form 'kurete iku' (is getting dark/is ending). This emphasizes the gradual process of the light fading or the time running out. Using the 'te-form' with 'iku' (to go) or 'kuru' (to come) adds a sense of movement and inevitability to the transition. In everyday conversation, simply saying 'Kurete kita ne' (It's started to get dark, hasn't it?) is a common way to acknowledge the evening's arrival.

You will encounter 暮れる (kureru) in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from casual outdoor activities to formal literature. One of the most common places is in weather forecasts or travel warnings. Hikers, campers, and sailors are frequently cautioned about when the day will 'kure' because visibility drops significantly in Japan's mountainous terrain. In these contexts, it is a practical word related to safety and timing.

The Evening Bell
In many Japanese towns, a chime or melody (often 'Yuyake Koyake') plays over public speakers at 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM. Parents tell their children: 'Hi ga kureru kara kaerinasai' (Go home because the sun is setting).

日が暮れたら、冷え込んできた。(Once the sun set, it started to get chilly.)

In the business world, as December approaches, the noun form 'Kure' (暮れ) appears everywhere. You will see it on advertisements for 'Kure-no-uri' (Year-end sales) or in corporate emails discussing end-of-year schedules. It carries a sense of busyness ('shiwasu') and the social obligation to tie up loose ends before the New Year (Oshogatsu) begins. When a colleague says 'Yoi otoshi o' (Have a good year), they are acknowledging that the year is 'kurete' (ending).

Literature and Song Lyrics
The word is a staple in J-Pop lyrics and classical poetry. It often symbolizes the end of a romance or a period of youth, using the sunset as a metaphor for loss or nostalgia.

待ちわびて、日は暮れてしまった。(I waited so long that the day ended.)

Finally, you will hear the idiomatic 'tohō ni kureru' in news reports or dramas when someone faces a catastrophic problem, such as losing their home in a natural disaster or their job unexpectedly. It conveys a deep sense of helplessness. In anime, characters might use it when they are lost in a strange city without a map. It is a powerful way to express being overwhelmed by a situation that seems to have no exit or solution.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing 暮れる (kureru) with the auxiliary verb くれる (kureru), which means 'to give' (specifically when someone gives to the speaker). While they sound identical, they are grammatically and semantically worlds apart. The 'giving' kureru is usually written in hiragana and follows a completely different sentence structure involving a giver and a receiver. To avoid this, always look for the kanji 暮 or the context of time and light.

Transitivity Misuse
Learners often try to use 'o' (を) with 暮れる, thinking they can 'end the year' or 'set the sun.' However, 暮れる is intransitive. Correct: 'Toshi ga kureru.' Incorrect: 'Toshi o kureru.'

❌ 彼は一日を暮れさせた。 (He made the day end - unnatural.)

Another mistake involves over-applying the word to any 'ending.' You cannot use 暮れる for a movie ending, a meeting ending, or a class ending. For those, you must use 'owaru' (終わる). 暮れる is strictly reserved for natural cycles (day, year, seasons) or specific emotional states. Using it for a business meeting would sound very strange and poetic in a way that doesn't fit the context. Similarly, don't confuse it with 'kuraku naru' (to become dark). While 'hi ga kureru' results in darkness, 'kuraku naru' can apply to a room when you turn off the lights, whereas 'kureru' cannot.

Pronunciation and Kanji
Ensure you don't confuse the reading with 'kurai' (dark). While related etymologically, 'kureru' is a verb. Also, be careful with the kanji 暮 (kureru) vs 墓 (haka - grave); they look similar but the bottom part is different.

✅ 日が暮れて、暗くなった。(The sun set, and it became dark.)

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the idiomatic 'kanashimi ni kureru'. They might try to use 'de' instead of 'ni'. Remember that 'ni' indicates the state you have 'entered' or 'sunk into'. Think of it like sinking into a pool of sadness. Using 'de' would imply that the sadness is the tool you are using to end the day, which makes no sense. Mastering these small particle choices will make your use of 暮れる sound much more natural and native-like.

To truly master 暮れる (kureru), it helps to compare it with other Japanese verbs that describe endings or darkness. The most common alternative is 終わる (owaru). While both mean 'to end,' owaru is a general-purpose word for any task, event, or period. Kureru is specifically for the 'fading out' of natural time. You 'owaru' a book, but the day 'kureru'.

Kureru vs. Owaru
Kureru implies a natural, gradual transition. Owaru implies a definitive stop or completion of an action. You would use 'owaru' for a game, but 'kureru' for the end of the year.

授業が終わる (Class ends) vs. 年が暮れる (The year ends).

Another word often confused with kureru is 暗くなる (kuraku naru), meaning 'to become dark.' While 'hi ga kureru' (the sun sets) results in the world becoming dark, 'kuraku naru' focuses purely on the level of light. You can say 'the room became dark' (heya ga kuraku natta), but you can never say 'the room kureru'. Kureru requires the passage of time or the movement of the sun as its underlying cause. Furthermore, 沈む (shizumu) means 'to sink' or 'to set' (specifically for the sun). 'Hi ga shizumu' is more descriptive of the sun's physical movement below the horizon, whereas 'hi ga kureru' is more about the arrival of evening.

Kureru vs. Shizumu
Use 'shizumu' when you are looking at the sun actually moving. Use 'kureru' when you are talking about the time of day changing and it getting dark outside.

太陽が水平線に沈む。(The sun sinks into the horizon.)

Finally, for the emotional idioms, synonyms might include 沈む (shizumu) again, as in 'kimochi ga shizumu' (to feel depressed/sunk). However, 'kanashimi ni kureru' is much more intense, suggesting a total immersion. Another alternative for 'tohō ni kureru' (to be at a loss) is 'komaru' (to be in trouble) or 'mayou' (to be lost). But 'tohō ni kureru' is far more descriptive of that specific feeling of having no idea what to do next. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to be direct (komaru) or evocative (tohō ni kureru).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 暮 contains the radical for sun (日) at the bottom, and the top part 莫 (maku/nai) originally depicted the sun disappearing into the grass at the end of the day.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kɯᵝɾeɾɯᵝ/
US /kɯᵝɾeɾɯᵝ/
Heiban (Flat) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.
Rime avec
Akeru (to dawn) Suteru (to throw away) Neru (to sleep) Deru (to exit) Taberu (to eat) Nureru (to get wet) Yureru (to shake) Hareru (to clear up)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' with curled tongue.
  • Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
  • Confusing the pitch accent with 'kureru' (to give), which can sometimes vary by dialect.
  • Making the 'u' sound too prominent like 'koo-ray-roo'.
  • Confusing the reading with 'kurai' (dark).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji is slightly complex but very common. The reading is consistent.

Écriture 3/5

Writing 暮 from memory requires attention to the number of strokes in the middle section.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but must be careful not to confuse with 'to give'.

Écoute 3/5

Can be confused with 'to give' (kureru) if context is not clear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

日 (hi) 年 (toshi) 暗い (kurai) 終わる (owaru) 行く (iku)

Apprends ensuite

明ける (akeru) 更ける (fukeru) 沈む (shizumu) 過ごす (sugosu) 年末 (nenmatsu)

Avancé

無常 (mujou) 黄昏 (tasogare) 宵 (yoi) 歳末 (saimatsu) 惜別 (sekibetsu)

Grammaire à connaître

Intransitive Verbs (Jidoushi)

日は暮れる (The sun sets) - No object.

Te-form + Kuru (Change starting/approaching)

日が暮れてきた (It has started to get dark).

Mae ni (Before)

日が暮れる前に (Before the sun sets).

Nominalization with 'No'

暮れるのが早い (Setting is fast).

Ni-particle for state immersion

悲しみに暮れる (Lost in grief).

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Exemples par niveau

1

日が暮れました。

The sun has set.

Past tense of an Ichidan verb.

2

もうすぐ日が暮れます。

The sun will set soon.

Non-past tense used for future.

3

日が暮れる前に帰りましょう。

Let's go home before the sun sets.

Verb dictionary form + mae ni.

4

日が暮れると暗いです。

When the sun sets, it's dark.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural result.

5

日が暮れるのが早いです。

The sun sets early.

Nominalizer 'no' + particle 'ga'.

6

日が暮れてきました。

It's starting to get dark.

Te-form + kuru showing a change starting.

7

日が暮れるまで遊びました。

I played until the sun set.

Verb dictionary form + made.

8

日が暮れないうちに買い物に行きます。

I'll go shopping while it's still light (before it gets dark).

Negative form + uchi ni (before/while).

1

冬は日が暮れるのがとても早いです。

In winter, the sun sets very early.

Adverb 'totemo' modifying 'hayai'.

2

日が暮れてから雨が降り始めました。

It started raining after the sun set.

Te-form + kara (after doing...).

3

山で日が暮れると危ないです。

It's dangerous when the sun sets in the mountains.

Conditional 'to' used for general truths.

4

日が暮れるのを待っています。

I am waiting for the sun to set.

Nominalizer 'no' + object particle 'o'.

5

年が暮れるのは寂しい感じがします。

The year ending feels lonely.

Compound phrase 'kanji ga suru'.

6

日が暮れて、星が見えてきました。

The sun set, and stars became visible.

Te-form used to connect two sequential events.

7

日が暮れる頃、彼は帰ってきました。

He came home around the time the sun was setting.

Noun 'koro' meaning 'around the time'.

8

日が暮れたら、電気をつけましょう。

Once the sun sets, let's turn on the lights.

Tara-conditional for 'once/when'.

1

道に迷って、途方に暮れてしまった。

I got lost and was at a total loss.

Idiom 'tohō ni kureru'.

2

今年もいよいよ暮れようとしています。

This year is finally about to end.

Volitional form + to suru (about to...).

3

日が暮れるにつれて、気温が下がってきた。

As the sun set, the temperature began to drop.

Ni tsurete (as... happens, so does...).

4

日が暮れる間際に、ようやく目的地に着いた。

I finally reached my destination just as the sun was setting.

Noun 'magiwa' (on the verge of).

5

仕事が忙しくて、いつの間にか日が暮れていた。

I was so busy with work that the sun had set before I knew it.

Phrase 'itsu no ma ni ka' (before one knows it).

6

暮れのご挨拶に伺いました。

I've come to give my year-end greetings.

Noun form 'kure' used for year-end.

7

日が暮れるのが遅くなり、春の訪れを感じる。

The sun sets later, and I feel the arrival of spring.

Adverbial form of 'osoi' + 'naru'.

8

悲しみに暮れる暇もないほど忙しかった。

I was so busy I didn't even have time to be lost in grief.

Noun 'hima' (time/leisure) + negative.

1

彼は深い悲しみに暮れている。

He is lost in deep grief.

State of being indicated by 'te-iru'.

2

秋が暮れて、冬の足音が聞こえてくる。

Autumn is drawing to a close, and the footsteps of winter can be heard.

Metaphorical use for seasons.

3

思案に暮れて、一晩中眠れなかった。

I was lost in thought and couldn't sleep all night.

Idiom 'shian ni kureru' (lost in thought).

4

日が暮れかかる空の色が美しい。

The color of the sky as the sun is about to set is beautiful.

Verb stem + kakaru (about to/starting to).

5

年が暮れるたびに、一年の早さを実感する。

Every time the year ends, I realize how fast a year goes.

Grammar 'tabi ni' (every time...).

6

日が暮れるのを合図に、祭りが始まった。

With the sunset as the signal, the festival began.

Noun 'aizu' (signal).

7

涙に暮れる毎日から、ようやく抜け出すことができた。

I was finally able to escape from days spent lost in tears.

Verb phrase 'nukedasu koto ga dekiru'.

8

日が暮れ果てて、辺りは静寂に包まれた。

The sun had completely set, and the area was wrapped in silence.

Verb stem + hateru (completely/to the end).

1

古都の夕暮れは、悠久の時を感じさせる。

Twilight in the old capital makes one feel the eternity of time.

Noun 'yugure' derived from 'kureru'.

2

途方に暮れる民衆を前に、リーダーは沈黙を守った。

Before the masses who were at a total loss, the leader remained silent.

Relative clause modifying 'minshu'.

3

日が暮れるとともに、虫の声が響き渡る。

Along with the sunset, the voices of insects echo all around.

Grammar 'to tomo ni' (along with).

4

年が暮れ、新しい時代への期待が高まっている。

As the year ends, expectations for a new era are rising.

Stem form (ren'yōkei) used as a conjunction.

5

万策尽きて、彼は途方に暮れた。

Having exhausted all options, he was at his wits' end.

Idiom 'bansaku tsukite' (all means exhausted).

6

日が暮れなずむ街並みを、一人歩き続けた。

I continued to walk alone through the streets where the sun was slow to set.

Verb 'kurenazumu' (to be slow in setting).

7

深い悲しみに暮れる遺族の姿に、言葉を失った。

I was lost for words at the sight of the bereaved family lost in deep grief.

Causative-passive nuance of 'kotoba o ushinau'.

8

秋の日は釣瓶落としというように、暮れるのが極めて早い。

As they say an autumn day is like a bucket falling down a well, it gets dark extremely quickly.

Idiomatic comparison 'tsurube-otoshi'.

1

世の常として、栄華を極めた時代もいつかは暮れるものである。

As is the way of the world, even an era that reached the heights of prosperity will one day come to an end.

Abstract metaphorical use for an 'era'.

2

「日が暮れる」という言葉には、単なる時間の経過以上の無常観が込められている。

The phrase 'the sun sets' contains a sense of impermanence that goes beyond the mere passage of time.

Quotative 'to iu' + descriptive clause.

3

彼は孤独に暮れる日々の中で、自己の存在意義を問い続けた。

In his days spent lost in solitude, he continued to question the meaning of his own existence.

Abstract state of 'solitude'.

4

暮れゆく年の瀬に、去りし日々に想いを馳せる。

At the end of the year as it fades away, I let my thoughts wander to the days that have passed.

Auxiliary '-yuku' showing ongoing progression.

5

万物が暮れなずむ黄昏時、境界線は曖昧になる。

At twilight when all things are slow to fade, boundaries become blurred.

Literary term 'kurenazumu'.

6

絶望に暮れる魂に、救いの手が差し伸べられることはなかった。

No hand of salvation was extended to the soul lost in despair.

Passive voice 'sashinoberareru'.

7

日が暮れゆく様を眺めながら、人生の黄昏を思う。

While watching the sun fade away, I think of the twilight of my life.

Metaphorical 'tasogare' for old age.

8

暮れ初める空に、一番星が静かに瞬き始めた。

In the sky just beginning to darken, the first star began to twinkle silently.

Verb stem + someru (to begin to...).

Collocations courantes

日が暮れる
年が暮れる
途方に暮れる
悲しみに暮れる
涙に暮れる
日が暮れかかる
冬の暮れ
暮れのご挨拶
思案に暮れる
日が暮れ果てる

Phrases Courantes

暮れ行く

— The process of fading out or ending. Often used for the year or a day.

暮れ行く秋を惜しむ。

暮れなずむ

— When the sunset lingers or takes a long time to get dark.

暮れなずむ街の光。

年の暮れ

— The end of the year, usually specifically the last few days of December.

年の暮れはどこも忙しい。

日が暮れるまで

— Until it gets dark; until the end of the day.

日が暮れるまでサッカーをした。

暮れ方

— Evening; around sunset time.

暮れ方に雨が止んだ。

暮れ正月

— The period combining the end of the year and the New Year holidays.

暮れ正月は実家で過ごす。

日が暮れるのが早い

— The sun sets early (common in winter).

最近は日が暮れるのが早いね。

途方に暮れるばかり

— Doing nothing but being at a total loss.

あまりのショックに途方に暮れるばかりだった。

暮れも押し迫る

— The very end of the year is approaching imminently.

暮れも押し迫ったある日のこと。

日が暮れてから

— After dark; after the sun has set.

日が暮れてから出かけましょう。

Souvent confondu avec

暮れる vs くれる (kureru) - To give

Same pronunciation, different meaning and grammar. 'Give' usually uses hiragana.

暮れる vs 暗くなる (kuraku naru)

Means 'to become dark.' Kureru is specifically the cause (sunset).

暮れる vs 終わる (owaru)

General 'to end.' Kureru is only for natural cycles and emotions.

Expressions idiomatiques

"途方に暮れる"

— To be at a loss; to not know what to do next. Literally 'to be lost in the way'.

鍵をなくして途方に暮れた。

Common
"悲しみに暮れる"

— To be overwhelmed by grief; to spend one's time in deep sorrow.

親友を亡くし、悲しみに暮れている。

Literary
"涙に暮れる"

— To be in a sea of tears; to cry constantly.

彼女は毎日涙に暮れていた。

Literary
"思案に暮れる"

— To be lost in thought; to ponder deeply without reaching a conclusion.

どう返事すべきか思案に暮れる。

Formal
"明け暮れる"

— To do something from morning till night; to be absorbed in something.

彼は研究に明け暮れている。

Neutral
"途方に暮れさせる"

— To leave someone at a total loss.

彼の突然の辞職は会社を途方に暮れさせた。

Neutral
"日が暮れて道遠し"

— To have much more to do but very little time left. Literally 'the sun sets and the road is long'.

仕事が終わらず、日が暮れて道遠しの感がある。

Proverbial
"世を暮らす"

— To make a living; to pass one's life (related to 'kureru' but uses 'kurasu').

細々と世を暮らす。

Archaic
"闇に暮れる"

— To be lost in darkness; to have no hope.

将来が闇に暮れる。

Poetic
"退屈に暮れる"

— To spend one's time in boredom.

何もしない退屈に暮れる日々。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

暮れる vs 明ける (akeru)

Opposite meaning, similar context.

Akeru is the start (dawn/New Year); Kureru is the end (sunset/Year-end).

夜が明ける vs 日が暮れる

暮れる vs 沈む (shizumu)

Both involve the sun.

Shizumu is physical movement (sinking); Kureru is the temporal shift (evening setting in).

太陽が沈む vs 日が暮れる

暮れる vs 暮らす (kurasu)

Same kanji root.

Kureru is intransitive (time ends); Kurasu is transitive (to spend time/live).

日が暮れる vs 楽しく暮らす

暮れる vs 更ける (fukeru)

Both about night.

Kureru is the start of evening; Fukeru is when the night is already late.

日が暮れる vs 夜が更ける

暮れる vs 落ちる (ochiru)

Used for the sun sometimes.

Ochiru (to drop) is more sudden and visual than the gradual kureru.

日が落ちる

Structures de phrases

A1

日が暮れました。

もう日が暮れました。

A2

日が暮れる前に〜

日が暮れる前に帰りましょう。

B1

〜に暮れる

途方に暮れる。

B1

年が暮れる

いよいよ年が暮れます。

B2

暮れゆく〜

暮れゆく街を眺める。

C1

〜が暮れなずむ

日が暮れなずむ頃。

C2

〜に明け暮れる

読書に明け暮れる。

C2

暮れ果てる

日が暮れ果てて辺りは暗い。

Famille de mots

Noms

夕暮れ (yugure) - Evening/twilight
暮れ (kure) - Year-end/sunset
日暮れ (higure) - Sunset/dusk

Verbes

明け暮れる (akekureru) - To spend all one's time doing something
暮らす (kurasu) - To live/spend time (transitive relative)

Apparenté

暗い (kurai) - Dark
晩 (ban) - Evening
夕方 (yugata) - Evening
夜 (yoru) - Night
年末 (nenmatsu) - Year-end
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily life (sunset) and seasonal contexts (December).

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'o' particle: 日を暮れる → 日が暮れる

    Kureru is intransitive. You cannot 'set' the day; the day sets itself.

  • Confusing with 'give': 田中さんが本を暮れた → 田中さんが本をくれた

    The verb 'to give' is written in hiragana (くれた) and is a different word entirely.

  • Using for meetings: 会議が暮れる → 会議が終わる

    Kureru is only for natural cycles like days, years, and seasons.

  • Confusing with 'kurai': 日が暮らい → 日が暮れる / 外が暗い

    Kurai is an adjective (dark); Kureru is a verb (to get dark).

  • Wrong particle for idioms: 悲しみで暮れる → 悲しみに暮れる

    The idiom for being lost in emotion always uses the 'ni' particle to show immersion.

Astuces

Particle Choice

Always use 'ga' with 'hi' (sun) or 'toshi' (year) because 'kureru' is something that happens on its own.

December Keyword

In December, remember the word 'Kure.' You'll see it everywhere in shops and in greetings.

Winter Warning

In Japan, winter days end very early. People often say 'Hi ga kureru no ga hayai' as a social pleasantry.

Being Lost

If you're in a tough spot and don't know what to do, use 'tohō ni kurete iru' to sound more native.

Flat Accent

Keep your pitch steady. Don't let it drop or rise sharply on any syllable.

Poetic Flair

Use 'kure-yuku' (fading/ending) to describe a sunset or the end of a year in a more emotional way.

Hiking Rule

Always check when the sun will 'kureru' before going into the mountains in Japan.

Kureru vs Owaru

Remember: Natural cycles = Kureru. Artificial/Human events = Owaru.

Sun in the Grass

Visualize the sun (日) at the bottom of the kanji 暮 setting into the grass to remember its meaning.

Context Clues

If the subject is an emotion like 'kanashimi,' 'kureru' means 'lost in,' not 'setting'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Kureru' as the sun saying 'Cooler' (Ku-re) as it sets. When the sun goes down, it gets cooler and the day ends.

Association visuelle

Imagine a big red sun (日) sinking into a field of tall grass (the top part of 暮). As it sinks, the world turns dark.

Word Web

Sunset Year-end Darkness Grief Transition Intransitive Evening Conclusion

Défi

Try to use 'kureru' in three different ways today: once for the sunset, once for the end of the year, and once in the idiom 'tohō ni kureru'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old Japanese word 'kuru', which meant to be dark or to be covered. It shares a root with 'kurai' (dark) and 'kuro' (black). The verb evolved to describe the process of becoming dark.

Sens originel : To become dark or obscured.

Japonic

Contexte culturel

When using 'kanashimi ni kureru' (lost in grief), be aware that it is a very strong expression. Use it with empathy.

English speakers often say 'It's getting dark,' whereas Japanese speakers focus on the 'day' or 'sun' ending. English lacks a single specific verb for 'the year is drawing to a close' that is as common as 'kureru'.

The song 'Kurenai' by X Japan (uses the same kanji root for 'crimson' sunset). The classic children's song 'Yuyake Koyake' describes the day 'kureru'. Many Haiku by Matsuo Basho use 'kure' as a seasonal word (kigo).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather/Environment

  • 日が暮れる
  • 暗くなる
  • 夕焼け
  • 冷え込む

End of the Year

  • 年が暮れる
  • 年の瀬
  • 大晦日
  • 暮れのご挨拶

Emotional Distress

  • 途方に暮れる
  • 悲しみに暮れる
  • 涙に暮れる
  • 絶望に暮れる

Outdoor Activities

  • 日が暮れる前に
  • 暗くなるまで
  • キャンプ
  • 登山

Literature/Poetry

  • 暮れゆく
  • 暮れなずむ
  • 秋の暮れ
  • 寂寥感

Amorces de conversation

"最近、日が暮れるのが早くなりましたね。"

"日が暮れる前に、どこかでお茶しませんか？"

"今年ももうすぐ暮れますが、どんな一年でしたか？"

"道に迷って途方に暮れたことはありますか？"

"日が暮れてからの夜景がとても綺麗ですよ。"

Sujets d'écriture

日が暮れる時の空の色について描写してください。

今年が暮れるまでに達成したいことは何ですか？

あなたが途方に暮れた経験と、それをどう乗り越えたか書いてください。

「秋の日は釣瓶落とし」という言葉についてどう思いますか？

日が暮れてから始まる、あなたの好きな時間について教えてください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'owaru' for movies, books, or meetings. 'Kureru' is strictly for natural cycles like the day or the year, or specific idioms.

Generally, no. We say 'toshi ga kureru' (the year ends) but for months, we usually use 'owaru' or 'sugiru'. It is reserved for longer, more significant natural cycles.

'Hi ga kureru' specifically means the sun is setting and evening is arriving. 'Kuraku naru' just means the light level is decreasing, which could happen if you close the curtains.

Context is key. 'Hi ga kureru' (sun sets) vs 'Tanaka-san ga kureru' (Tanaka gives). Also, 'to give' is often used as an auxiliary verb after the te-form (shite kureru).

It means to be at a total loss or at one's wits' end. It comes from the idea of being 'lost in the way (direction)' because it has become dark.

It is a standard word used in all levels of formality, but its idiomatic and seasonal uses can appear in very formal or literary contexts.

Yes, 'aki ga kureru' (autumn is ending) is a valid and poetic way to describe the end of a season.

It is a beautiful verb meaning the sun is slow to set, creating a long, lingering twilight. It's often used in songs and poetry.

Both relate to the passage of time. 'Kureru' is the end of time, and 'kurasu' is the act of spending or passing that time through living.

The transitive counterpart is 'kurasu' (to spend time/live), though they are used in different grammatical structures.

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'Let's go home before the sun sets.'

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writing

Translate: 'The year is finally ending.'

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writing

Translate: 'I was at a total loss because I lost my wallet.'

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writing

Translate: 'In winter, the sun sets early.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'kanashimi ni kureru'.

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writing

Translate: 'It started to get dark.'

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writing

Translate: 'I waited until the sun set.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'kure-yuku'.

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writing

Translate: 'Year-end greetings.'

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writing

Translate: 'Autumn is drawing to a close.'

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writing

Translate: 'I was lost in thought all night.'

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writing

Translate: 'After the sun set, it became cold.'

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writing

Translate: 'The sun set before I finished my homework.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a lingering sunset using 'kurenazumu'.

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writing

Translate: 'Every time the year ends, I feel lonely.'

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writing

Translate: 'The sun was about to set.'

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writing

Translate: 'I am crying every day (lost in tears).'

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writing

Translate: 'The sun has completely set.'

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writing

Translate: 'I was absorbed in reading from morning till night.'

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writing

Translate: 'Wait until it gets dark.'

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speaking

Describe the sunset using 'hi ga kureru'.

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speaking

Tell a friend it's time to go home because it's getting dark.

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speaking

Explain why winter feels short in Japan.

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speaking

Ask someone about their year-end plans.

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speaking

Use 'tohō ni kureru' in a short story about losing your way.

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speaking

Describe the sky at 5 PM in winter.

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speaking

Give a year-end greeting to a colleague.

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speaking

Talk about a hobby you spend all your time on.

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speaking

React to a sad news story using 'kanashimi ni kureru'.

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speaking

Describe a beautiful sunset you saw recently.

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speaking

Advise someone not to stay out late.

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speaking

Ask a local when the sun usually sets in their city.

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speaking

Use 'kurenazumu' to describe twilight.

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speaking

Discuss the feeling of the end of the year.

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speaking

Say you were so busy you didn't notice it got dark.

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speaking

Translate and say: 'Don't be lost in grief forever.'

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speaking

Describe a mountain climbing rule.

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speaking

Use 'shian ni kureru' in a sentence about a difficult decision.

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speaking

Comment on the weather getting colder after sunset.

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speaking

Say 'Happy New Year' (context of the year ending).

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listening

Listen to the audio: '日が暮れる前に帰りましょう。' What should we do?

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listening

Listen: '冬は日が暮れるのが早いです。' Is the sun setting late or early?

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listening

Listen: '今年もいよいよ暮れますね。' What time of year is it?

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listening

Listen: '道に迷って途方に暮れた。' How did the speaker feel?

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listening

Listen: '日が暮れてから雨が降った。' When did it rain?

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listening

Listen: '彼女は悲しみに暮れている。' What is her state?

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listening

Listen: '日が暮れるまで遊びました。' How long did they play?

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listening

Listen: '暮れのご挨拶に伺いました。' Why is the person there?

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listening

Listen: '日が暮れかかっています。' Is it completely dark?

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listening

Listen: '秋の日は釣瓶落とし。' What does this idiom describe?

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listening

Listen: '彼は研究に明け暮れている。' Is he doing research often?

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listening

Listen: '日が暮れると暗くなります。' What is the result of sunset?

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listening

Listen: 'いつの間にか日が暮れていた。' Was the speaker aware of the time?

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listening

Listen: '暮れゆく空が美しい。' What is beautiful?

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listening

Listen: '日が暮れるのを待っている。' What is the speaker doing?

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