buenas tardes
/ˌbwenas ˈtaɾdes/
buenas tardes is the Spanish way to say good afternoon.
buenas tardes is a greeting used during the afternoon. In most Spanish-speaking cultures, this greeting is appropriate from the time after lunch (around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM) until sunset.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'good afternoons' because both the adjective buenas and the noun tardes are feminine and plural.
Which one should you use?
While buenas tardes is used for the afternoon, you should use buenas noches for both 'good evening' and 'good night' once it is dark.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the singular English phrase 'good afternoon', the Spanish greeting is almost always used in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwenas ˈtaɾdes/
When do people say it?
The phrase is used from the post-lunch hours until sunset.
Did you know?
- In casual settings, people often shorten the phrase to just buenas, which can be used as a general greeting at any time of day or night.
- While buenas tardes is used as a hello, it can also be used as a polite way to say goodbye as you leave a place during those hours.
- In some regions, saying buenas tardes upon entering a small shop or elevator is considered a mandatory social courtesy, regardless of whether you know the other people.
Examples in context
- Buenas tardes.Good afternoon.This example shows the standalone greeting buenas tardes.Tatoeba #872348 by japegon, translation #499689 by CK
- ¡Buenas tardes!Good afternoon!This example shows an enthusiastic version of the greeting buenas tardes.Tatoeba #778583 by marloncori, translation #3552554 by Meruert
- Buenas tardes. Tú eres nuestro nuevo vecino, si no me equivoco.Good afternoon. You are our new neighbor, if I'm not mistaken?This example shows the greeting buenas tardes used when meeting a new neighbor.Tatoeba #872335 by japegon, translation #871529 by CM
- Buenas tardes, señor. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you?
- Muy buenas tardes. ¿Podría hablar con el director, por favor?Very good afternoon. Could I speak with the director, please?
- Hola ¿Cómo estás? ¡ Buenas tardes!Hello, how are you? Good afternoon!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María meet in a local café.
- JavierBuenas tardes, María.Good afternoon, María.
- MaríaHola, Javier. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Javier. How are you?
- JavierMuy bien, gracias.Very well, thank you.
- MaríaMe alegro de verte.I am glad to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good afternoon” translations and entries buenas tardes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
