A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "In the evening" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'in the evening' in Spanish to accurately describe time frames during your daily conversations in Latin America.
Por la tarde.
por la TAR-dehneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when discussing plans that happen after lunch but before it gets dark. It is perfect for scheduling meetings, dinner, or social outings that occur during the late afternoon or early evening hours.
Alternatives
- Por la nocheuse this once it is truly dark outside
- Al atardeceruse this specifically for the sunset hour
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing evening with night
In Spanish, 'tarde' covers the afternoon until sunset, while 'noche' begins once it is dark.
Adding an extra article
Do not say 'en la tarde'; use 'por' to indicate the general time of day.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, the 'tarde' can feel quite long, often extending until 7:00 or 8:00 PM depending on the season.
Frequently asked
When does the afternoon become the evening in Spanish?
There is no hard cutoff, but generally, 'tarde' transitions to 'noche' once the sun sets and people start eating dinner. If it is dark outside, you should switch to using 'noche'.
How do I say in the evening for a specific time?
If you want to say 'at 6:00 PM,' you would say 'a las seis de la tarde.' You use 'a las' for the clock time and add the time of day afterward.
Is por la tarde used for morning events?
No, 'por la tarde' is strictly for the afternoon and early evening. For morning events, you must use 'por la mañana'.
Is there a word for evening in Spanish?
Yes, the most common word for evening in Spanish is 'tarde' or 'noche'.
Is tarde afternoon or night?
Tarde generally refers to the afternoon, but can also extend into the early evening.
How do you express 'in the evening' in Spanish?
You can express 'in the evening' in Spanish using 'por la tarde' or 'por la noche'.
Can you say 'on the evening' in Spanish?
No, in Spanish you would typically say 'por la tarde' or 'por la noche' instead of 'on the evening'.
