Boa tarde
polite, afternoon
In Portugal "good afternoon" is Boa tarde. It is used from after lunch until it gets dark, both to greet and to say goodbye. It is also called Boa tarde a todos and Tenha uma boa tarde.
Meaning: greeting after midday (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Boa tarde | polite, afternoon |
| Boa tarde a todos | polite, group |
| Tenha uma boa tarde | farewell, formal |
Say Boa tarde when you enter a shop, a bank or an office. To a group you say Boa tarde a todos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal tarde starts after lunch, not at noon exactly. Many people still say Bom dia until they have eaten.
How do you pronounce it?
Tarde is pronounced with a very short final e, close to "TAR-d".
Did you know?
- Portuguese people greet shop staff when they enter, and the greeting is seen as basic politeness.
Examples in context
- Boa tarde, queria um bilhete.Good afternoon, I would like a ticket.
- Boa tarde a todos!Good afternoon, everyone!
- Tenha uma boa tarde.Have a good afternoon.
Example conversation
Cristina enters a pharmacy in Leiria where the pharmacist is Sr. Bruno.
- CristinaBoa tarde.Good afternoon.
- Sr. BrunoBoa tarde. Em que posso ajudar?Good afternoon. How can I help?
- CristinaQueria algo para a tosse.I would like something for a cough.
