feliz tarde
/feliθ taɾde/from spelling rules
The English phrase "happy afternoon" is translated into Spanish as feliz tarde.
feliz tarde is used as a polite way to wish someone a pleasant afternoon, often as a parting salutation rather than a greeting upon arrival.
Which one should you use?
While feliz tarde is a specific wish for a happy afternoon, buenas tardes is the standard, more common way to say "good afternoon" as both a greeting and a farewell.
How do you pronounce it?
/feliθ taɾde/
Did you know?
- The word tarde shares a common root with the English word 'tardy'. Both come from the Latin word for 'late'.
- While feliz tarde is a wish for happiness, the standard greeting buenas tardes uses a plural adjective and noun, literally meaning 'good afternoons'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the transition from tarde to noche is not defined by a single hour, but often by the time of the evening meal or when the sun sets.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola María! Estoy bien. ¡Que tengas una tarde maravillosa!Hi María! I'm doing well. Have a wonderful afternoon!
- Buenas tardes, señor García. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?Good afternoon, Mr. García. How can I assist you?
- ¡Feliz tarde a todos!Happy afternoon to everyone!
- Espero que tengas una feliz tarde.I hope you have a happy afternoon.
- ¡Feliz tarde, señora!Happy afternoon, ma'am!
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are leaving a cafe.
- LucíaFue un gusto verte, Mateo.It was a pleasure seeing you, Mateo.
- MateoIgualmente, Lucía. ¡Feliz tarde!Likewise, Lucía. Happy afternoon!
- LucíaGracias, tú también.Thank you, you too.
- MateoNos vemos pronto.See you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries feliz, tarde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
