tardes
/taɾdes/from spelling rules
tardes is the Spanish word for "afternoons," referring to the plural form of the time of day between noon and night.
tardes is used to refer to multiple afternoons. It is commonly used in greetings such as Buenas tardes (Good afternoon) or in formal expressions like Tarde placentera (Pleasant afternoon).
Which one should you use?
While tardes refers to the plural time of day (afternoons), it is distinct from the adverb tarde, which means "late".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form for the time of day is la tarde, whereas the plural form is las tardes. Note that when using the word as an adverb meaning "late", you must use the singular form tarde rather than tardes.
How do you pronounce it?
/taɾdes/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use tardes when you mean "late". Use the singular adverb tarde instead.
Did you know?
- The word tarde shares a root with the English word 'tardy', reflecting the same original Latin sense of being slow or delayed.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, saying Buenas tardes is not just a greeting but also a way to say 'goodbye' when leaving a shop or office in the afternoon.
- In Spain, the transition from Buenos días to Buenas tardes often happens precisely after the midday meal, regardless of the exact clock time.
Examples in context
- Buenas tardes, señorGood afternoon, sir
- Buenas tardes, estimados colegasGood afternoon, esteemed colleagues
- Buenas tardesGood afternoon
- Las tardes de verano son muy calurosas.Summer afternoons are very hot.
- Suelo pasear por el parque las tardes.I usually walk through the park in the afternoons.
- Me encantan las tardes de lluvia.I love rainy afternoons.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are planning a coffee date.
- Lucía¿Tienes libres las tardes de esta semana?Are you free in the afternoons this week?
- DanielSí, puedo ir el jueves por la tarde.Yes, I can go on Thursday afternoon.
- LucíaPerfecto, nos vemos entonces.Perfect, see you then.
- DanielHasta el jueves, Lucía.See you Thursday, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
