por la tarde
/poɾ la taɾde/from spelling rules
The English phrase "in the evening" can be translated into Spanish as por la tarde.
In Spanish, por la tarde covers the entire period from lunchtime until nightfall, whereas English distinguishes between 'afternoon' and 'evening'.
Which one should you use?
While por la tarde is used for the late afternoon and early evening, por la noche is used once it is dark or when referring to nighttime. Additionally, in certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico, the expression en la tarde-noche is used to express the latter part of the afternoon and the beginning of the evening.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form en la tarde is commonly used in many Latin American countries as an alternative to por la tarde.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ la taɾde/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the time covered by por la tarde is when the main social hour, the merienda, occurs. This is a light meal or snack taken between lunch and dinner.
- The Latin root of tarde is the same as the root for the English word 'tardy', meaning a person who is late for an appointment.
- In Spain, the transition from por la tarde to por la noche often happens much later than in English-speaking countries because dinner is typically eaten very late.
Examples in context
- Nos llamaremos por la tarde.We'll call each other in the evening.The sentence is useful for talking about making phone calls using por la tarde.Tatoeba #10079000 by manufrutos, translation #10056050 by AlanF_US
- Por la tarde veo la televisión.I watch television in the evening.The sentence shows how to use por la tarde when describing a routine like watching television.Tatoeba #1786760 by Shishir, translation #262102 by CK
- ¿Siempre está en casa por la tarde?Are you always at home in the evening?The sentence is helpful for asking if someone is always at home during the time indicated by por la tarde.Tatoeba #618539 by Shishir, translation #69049 by Eldad
- La conferencia es por la noche.The conference is in the evening.
- Tendremos una reunión en la noche.We will have a meeting in the evening.
- Disfruto pasear al anochecer.I enjoy strolling in the evening.
- Te veré en la tarde-noche.I will see you in the late afternoon/evening.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are planning a meeting.
- María¿Puedes hablar por la tarde, Javier?Can you talk in the evening, Javier?
- JavierSí, estoy libre a las seis.Yes, I am free at six.
- MaríaPerfecto, te llamo por la tarde entonces.Perfect, I'll call you in the evening then.
- JavierDe acuerdo, espero tu llamada.Alright, I'll wait for your call.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, por, tarde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
