If you want to know how to say good afternoon in Spanish, the standard greeting is buenas tardes. The word tarde means “afternoon” or “evening,” and the plural feminine form tardes is used in this greeting.
“Good afternoon” in Spanish is buenas tardes, pronounced approximately BWEH-nas TAR-des.
- How Do You Say Good Afternoon in Spanish?
- Useful Spanish Expressions for the Afternoon
- Good Afternoon in Spanish: Quick Comparison
- How to Pronounce Buenas Tardes
- Example Sentences Using Good Afternoon in Spanish
- Frequently Asked Questions About Good Afternoon in Spanish
- Summary: How to Say Good Afternoon in Spanish
How Do You Say Good Afternoon in Spanish?
The standard Spanish greeting for good afternoon is buenas tardes. It is used from around midday through the late afternoon and often into the early evening, depending on the region. For the switch to buenas noches, see good evening in Spanish.
Unlike English, Spanish greetings use the plural form buenas, from the adjective explained in good in Spanish.
Meaning: Good afternoon
Useful Spanish Expressions for the Afternoon
Use buenas tardes as a greeting and the other expressions when describing afternoon activities or times.
1. Buenas tardes — Good afternoon
Buenas tardes works when meeting someone and when leaving during the afternoon.
2. Tarde — Afternoon
Tarde means “afternoon” and can also mean “late” depending on context.
3. Esta tarde — This afternoon
Esta tarde means “this afternoon.”
4. Por la tarde — In the afternoon
Por la tarde means “in the afternoon” and describes a regular time or routine.
Good Afternoon in Spanish: Quick Comparison
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| Spanish | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| buenas tardes | good afternoon | Afternoon greeting |
| tarde | afternoon | Time of day |
| esta tarde | this afternoon | Today’s afternoon |
| por la tarde | in the afternoon | Routine or general time |
How to Pronounce Buenas Tardes
Buenas tardes is pronounced BWEH-nas TAR-des. The r in tardes is a light Spanish tap, and the final s is pronounced.
Example Sentences Using Good Afternoon in Spanish
Use: Greeting someone politely.
Use: A formal greeting.
Use: Talking about plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Good Afternoon in Spanish
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say good afternoon in Spanish?
Say buenas tardes.
What does buenas tardes mean?
Buenas tardes means “good afternoon” and is used as an afternoon greeting or farewell.
What does tarde mean?
Tarde means “afternoon,” and in another context it can mean “late.”
How do you say this afternoon in Spanish?
Say esta tarde.
When should I use buenas tardes?
Use it from midday through the afternoon and often into the early evening, depending on local custom.
Summary: How to Say Good Afternoon in Spanish
The standard greeting for good afternoon in Spanish is buenas tardes. Use tarde for “afternoon,” esta tarde for “this afternoon,” and por la tarde for “in the afternoon.”
