A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Good afternoon" in Spanish
The standard Spanish greeting for 'good afternoon,' used from noon until evening.
Buenas tardes
BWEN-ahs TAR-desneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this greeting after midday and before it gets dark. It's perfect for entering shops, restaurants, or meeting people in the afternoon.
Alternatives
- BuenasA very casual shortening, best for people you know.
- Buen díaMore common in some countries, but 'Buenas tardes' is safer for afternoon.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'Buenos tardes'
'Tardes' is feminine, so it must be 'Buenas tardes'.
Using 'Buenas noches' too early
'Buenas noches' is for 'good evening' or 'good night,' not for the afternoon.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the afternoon can extend quite late, so 'Buenas tardes' might be used until 7 or 8 PM.
Frequently asked
When exactly does 'Buenas tardes' start?
It generally starts around noon or 1 PM, after 'Buenos días' (good morning) is no longer appropriate. It transitions into 'Buenas noches' (good evening) as it gets dark.
Can I use 'Buenas tardes' with friends?
Yes, 'Buenas tardes' is perfectly fine to use with friends. For a more casual greeting, you might shorten it to just 'Buenas'.
What's the difference between 'Buenas tardes' and 'Buen día'?
'Buenas tardes' is specifically for the afternoon, while 'Buen día' can sometimes be used for the morning or even as a general 'good day.' 'Buenas tardes' is the more standard afternoon greeting.
Do you say "buenos días" in the afternoon?
No, "buenos días" is used for "good morning." In the afternoon, you should use "buenas tardes."
How do you greet someone in the afternoon in Spanish?
The standard greeting for the afternoon in Spanish is "buenas tardes."
What is "good afternoon" in Spanish to a woman?
You say "buenas tardes" to a woman. The phrase is the same for men and women.
How do you say "good afternoon" in Spanish informal?
The informal way to say "good afternoon" is also "buenas tardes." The greeting itself doesn't change based on formality.
