Buenas tardes
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico you say Buenas tardes from about noon until it gets dark. A short Buenas also works between neighbors. It is also called Muy buenas tardes.
Meaning: greeting used after midday (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| Buenas tardes | everyday, Mexico |
| Buenas | casual |
| Muy buenas tardes | formal |
Mexicans use it in shops, offices and calls. The greeting is plural even though it greets one person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Muy buenas tardes is a warm and polite upgrade for a customer or a guest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico the lunch hour is late, often after two, so some people say Buenas tardes only after they have eaten. Most use it right after noon.
Did you know?
- The short Buenas is a friendly all purpose greeting for any time of day in Mexico.
Examples in context
- Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está?Good afternoon, how are you?
- Buenas, ¿hay pan?Hi, is there bread?
- Muy buenas tardes a todos.A very good afternoon to everyone.
Example conversation
Customer Don Eduardo enters a bakery run by Marta in Puebla.
- Don EduardoBuenas tardes, señora Marta.Good afternoon, Mrs. Marta.
- MartaBuenas tardes, don Eduardo. ¿Lo de siempre?Good afternoon, Don Eduardo. The usual?
- Don EduardoSí, por favor, seis conchas.Yes please, six conchas.
