bonum postmeridiem
bonum postmeridiem is the Latin phrase for good afternoon.
This phrase is used as a greeting specifically during the afternoon. However, in many contexts, a Latin speaker would more naturally use the general greeting salve (singular) or salvete (plural) regardless of the time of day.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
Did you know?
- The phrase postmeridiem is the direct source of the English abbreviation 'p.m.', which literally means 'after midday'.
- While we use 'good afternoon' to start a conversation, the Roman greeting salve was actually an imperative verb commanding the other person to stay healthy.
- In the Roman world, the 'afternoon' was not a single block of time but was divided into several hours based on the movement of the sun.
Example conversation
Marcus and Claudia meet on a street in the afternoon.
- MarcusBonum postmeridiem, Claudia!Good afternoon, Claudia!
- ClaudiaBonum postmeridiem, Marce!Good afternoon, Marcus!
- MarcusQuid agis hodie?How are you doing today?
- ClaudiaBene valeo, gratias.I am doing well, thank you.
