esta tarde
/esta taɾde/from spelling rules
The phrase for "this afternoon" in Spanish is esta tarde.
esta tarde refers to the period of time between noon and evening of the current day. While English speakers often distinguish between the "afternoon" and the "evening," the Spanish word tarde covers the entire span from noon until darkness falls.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the demonstrative adjective esta (this) and the noun tarde (afternoon/evening).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, you may hear the informal expression hoy en la tarde to mean "this afternoon." This phrasing is more typical in Latin America than in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because tarde is a feminine noun, the demonstrative adjective must be the feminine form esta rather than the masculine este.
How do you pronounce it?
/esta taɾde/
Did you know?
- The word tarde shares a linguistic pattern with Chinese 晚 and Mongolian орой, as all three languages use the same word for both 'evening' and the concept of being 'late'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, esta tarde is the traditional time for the 'siesta'. This short nap typically occurs after the midday meal to avoid the peak heat of the day.
- If you are running behind schedule, you might say voy tarde. This literally translates to 'I go late' rather than the English 'I am late'.
Examples in context
- Él vendrá esta tarde.He will come this afternoon.This sentence shows how to use esta tarde when discussing someone's arrival.Tatoeba #633538 by Shishir, translation #296197 by CK
- Esta tarde va a llover.It is going to rain this afternoon.This sentence uses esta tarde to describe a weather forecast.Tatoeba #720484 by Shishir, translation #240067 by Zifre
- Esta tarde doné sangre.I donated blood this afternoon.This sentence uses esta tarde to describe a completed action that happened earlier today.Tatoeba #2263176 by marcelostockle, translation #1887291 by CK
- Nos gustaría concertar una reunión esta tarde.We would like to schedule a meeting this afternoon.
- El informe estará listo para su revisión hoy por la tarde.The report will be ready for your review this afternoon.
- ¿Quieres ir al cine esta tarde?Do you want to go to the movies this afternoon?
- Vamos a jugar fútbol en el parque hoy en la tarde.We are going to play soccer in the park this afternoon.
- 145 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking on the phone about meeting up.
- Mateo¿Estás libre esta tarde?Are you free this afternoon?
- MaríaSí, puedo ir a verte.Yes, I can go see you.
- MateoPerfecto, nos vemos pronto.Perfect, see you soon.
- MaríaVale, hasta luego.Okay, see you later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esta, tarde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
