bona tarda
[ˈbo̞.nə ˈtar.də]
bona tarda is the Catalan way to say good afternoon.
This greeting is used from the time after lunch until sunset.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine adjective bona (good) and the feminine noun tarda (afternoon).
Which one should you use?
Use bon dia in the morning and bona tarda in the afternoon.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because tarda is a feminine noun, the adjective must also be in the feminine form bona rather than the masculine bon.
Did you know?
- The word tarda shares its roots with the English word 'tardy', as both derive from the Latin 'tardus' meaning slow or late.
- Catalan speakers often transition from bon dia to bona tarda precisely after the 'dinar' or lunch break, regardless of the exact clock time.
- In some regions of Catalonia, bona tarda is used as both a greeting when arriving and a way to say goodbye when leaving.
Examples in context
- Bona tarda a tothom.Good afternoon to everyone.
- Bona tarda, senyor.Good afternoon, sir.
- Hola, bona tarda.Hello, good afternoon.
Example conversation
Laia enters a small cafe to meet Jordi.
- LaiaBona tarda, Jordi.Good afternoon, Jordi.
- JordiBona tarda, Laia. Com estàs?Good afternoon, Laia. How are you?
- LaiaMolt bé, gràcies.Very well, thanks.
- JordiEm alegro molt.I am very glad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good afternoon” translations and entries bona tarda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tarda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
