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How to Say Good Afternoon in Spanish

Just like all over the world, there are different times in the day to greet someone. From buenos dias meaning good morning to buenas noches meaning good night, there is also a common phrase used for mid day.

buenas tardes – Usually during the early afternoon, buenas tardes is used to say “good afternoon” in Spanish. There really isn’t an exact time it can be used, but most Spanish speaking countries will say this phrase from noon to late evening. Spanish speaking countries don’t look at evenings so it basically goes from afternoon to night in their eyes. With any saying of time of day, the Spanish greeting phrases will always be in plural.

Buenas tardes does translate to “good lates” in English and is often used a couple hours after midday. There isn’t an exact time, but a good rule of thumb is 2pm – 8/9pm. If you happen to say it before or after that time range, fear not as the Spanish culture knows what you mean and will politely say it back. As you stay longer in the country, you’ll hear people starting to use it and know that it’s now ok to start greeting people with Good Afternoon.

Few Examples of when to say Good Afternoon in Spanish

Good afternoon. How may I help you? – “Buenas tardes. Como puedo ayudarte”

Good afternoon, is Mr. Folmer in? – “Buenas tardes, ¿está el Sr. Folmer?”

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. – “Damas y caballeros, buenas tardes.”

Good afternoon. What’s the time? – “Buenas tardes. ¿Que hora es?”