Buenas tardes
standard
To say good afternoon to a girl, say Buenas tardes. With a young woman you do not know, add señorita for politeness. It is also called Buenas tardes, señorita and Hola, buenas tardes.
Meaning: afternoon greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Buenas tardes | standard |
| Buenas tardes, señorita | polite, young woman |
| Hola, buenas tardes | friendly |
Buenas tardes does not change for a woman or a man. What changes is the word you add after it, such as señorita, señora or her name.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With a friend, add her name or a pet name as in buenas tardes, Laura. With a stranger, buenas tardes, señorita is polite and safe. For an older woman use señora.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spanish speakers start using buenas tardes after lunch, which in Spain can be as late as 3 pm. In many Latin American countries it starts around noon.
Did you know?
- The plural buenas is used because the greeting is short for "may you have good afternoons", and the same plural appears in buenos días and buenas noches.
Examples in context
- Buenas tardes, Carmen.Good afternoon, Carmen.
- Buenas tardes, señorita, ¿puedo ayudarla?Good afternoon, miss, can I help you?
- Hola, buenas tardes a todas.Hello, good afternoon to all of you women.
Example conversation
Un vendedor greets a customer in a shop.
- VendedorBuenas tardes, señorita. ¿En qué puedo ayudarla?Good afternoon, miss. How can I help you?
- ClientaBuenas tardes. Busco un regalo.Good afternoon. I am looking for a gift.
- VendedorCon gusto, mire por aquí.Gladly, look over here.
