Buenas tardes
standard, everyday
In Colombia you say Buenas tardes for good afternoon. In quick everyday exchanges many people shorten any greeting to just Buenas.
Meaning: greeting used after midday (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Buenas tardes | standard, everyday |
| Buenas | casual, Colombia |
Buenas tardes is used from midday until it gets dark, and then people switch to Buenas noches. It suits shops, offices and meeting strangers. The short Buenas works at any time of day.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Colombians are known for polite greetings, and entering a shop or a lift with a quick Buenas is normal.
Did you know?
- Buenas tardes is plural in Spanish, literally "good afternoons".
Examples in context
- Buenas tardes, señora.Good afternoon, ma'am.
- Buenas, ¿cómo están?Hello, how are you all?
- Buenas tardes, quisiera un café.Good afternoon, I would like a coffee.
Example conversation
Ana enters a bakery in Bogotá and speaks to the shop assistant.
- AnaBuenas tardes.Good afternoon.
- VendedorBuenas tardes, ¿en qué le puedo ayudar?Good afternoon, how can I help you?
- AnaQuisiera dos panes, por favor.I would like two loaves of bread, please.
