In Spanish, there are various ways to express “in the evening,” depending on the context, formality, and region. Whether you’re having a casual conversation with friends or engaging in a formal setting, here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the different options and provide you with plenty of tips and examples to master this expression.
Table of Contents
1. Informal Ways to Say “In the Evening” in Spanish
In informal situations, you can use these phrases to say “in the evening” in Spanish:
a) Por la tarde
“Por la tarde” is a commonly used expression that means “in the afternoon/evening.” This phrase is suitable for casual conversations or when referring to events happening during the latter part of the day. For example:
Vamos al cine por la tarde. (We are going to the movies in the evening.)
b) En la tarde
Similar to “por la tarde,” “en la tarde” is another informal way to convey “in the evening” in Spanish. It is mostly used in Latin America and less frequently in Spain. Here’s an example:
Voy a visitarte en la tarde. (I will visit you in the evening.)
2. Formal Ways to Say “In the Evening” in Spanish
When it comes to more formal or professional situations, you might want to use these phrases to say “in the evening” in Spanish:
a) Por la noche
“Por la noche” is widely used in both formal and informal contexts to mean “in the evening/night.” It is the most common way to express this timeframe, and it can be used globally among Spanish speakers. Here’s an example:
La conferencia es por la noche. (The conference is in the evening.)
b) En la noche
Similar to “por la noche,” “en la noche” is another formal way to convey “in the evening” in Spanish. However, it is more frequently used in Latin America and less commonly in Spain. Here’s an example:
Tendremos una reunión en la noche. (We will have a meeting in the evening.)
3. Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s essential to note that there might be regional variations or alternative expressions in specific countries or communities. Here are a few examples:
a) Al anochecer
In some regions, particularly in Spain, people use the expression “al anochecer” to refer to “in the evening” as the day transitions into night. This phrase is more poetic and less common in everyday language but is worth mentioning as a regional variation. For example:
Disfruto pasear al anochecer. (I enjoy strolling in the evening.)
b) En la tarde-noche
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico, you may hear the expression “en la tarde-noche” to express the latter part of the afternoon and the beginning of the evening. This phrase combines “in the afternoon” (tarde) and “in the evening/night” (noche). Here’s an example:
Te veré en la tarde-noche. (I will see you in the late afternoon/evening.)
Conclusion
Now armed with various ways to say “in the evening” in Spanish, both formally and informally, you can confidently express yourself in a range of situations. Remember, “por la tarde” and “por la noche” are the most widely used expressions, while “en la tarde” and “en la noche” are more common in certain regions. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll effortlessly integrate these phrases into your Spanish conversations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
