How to Say Good Afternoon in Spanish is simple and useful for everyday conversations. The most common phrase is “Buenas tardes”, which you can use from around noon until sunset.
Knowing this greeting helps you sound polite and natural when speaking with Spanish speakers, whether in casual chats, formal settings, or when traveling. It’s a versatile phrase that makes interactions warmer and more respectful.
Good Afternoon in Spanish
15 Phrases to Say Good Afternoon in Spanish
| # | Spanish Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buenas tardes | Good afternoon |
| 2 | Muy buenas tardes | Very good afternoon |
| 3 | Buenas tardes a todos | Good afternoon everyone |
| 4 | Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está? | Good afternoon, how are you? (formal) |
| 5 | Buenas tardes, ¿cómo estás? | Good afternoon, how are you? (informal) |
| 6 | Buenas tardes, señor | Good afternoon, sir |
| 7 | Buenas tardes, señora | Good afternoon, ma’am |
| 8 | Buenas tardes, amigo | Good afternoon, friend |
| 9 | Buenas tardes, compañero | Good afternoon, colleague |
| 10 | Les deseo una buena tarde | I wish you a good afternoon |
| 11 | Tenga usted una buena tarde | Have a good afternoon (formal) |
| 12 | Que tengas una linda tarde | Have a nice afternoon (informal) |
| 13 | Que pasen una buena tarde | Hope you all have a good afternoon |
| 14 | Disfruta tu tarde | Enjoy your afternoon |
| 15 | Que tengas una tarde maravillosa | Have a wonderful afternoon |
Here are 15 ways to say good afternoon in Spanish, each with example dialogues and a peek into their cultural or historical roots.
1. Buenas tardes (Good afternoon)
Origin:
The standard and most universally accepted way to say “good afternoon” in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Buenas tardes, señora García.
👤 Usuario B: Buenas tardes, joven. ¿Cómo está?
Use: Formal or neutral. Appropriate from about 12:00 PM to sunset.
2. Hola, buenas tardes
Origin:
A friendly mix of “hi” and “good afternoon,” showing both politeness and warmth.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Hola, buenas tardes. ¿Tienen mesa para dos?
👤 Usuario B: Sí, claro. Por aquí, por favor.
Use: Common when entering shops, restaurants, or meeting new people.
3. Muy buenas (Very good [afternoon])
Origin:
A shortened, versatile greeting used in Spain. It can refer to buenos días, buenas tardes, or buenas noches depending on the time of day.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Muy buenas, ¿qué tal todo?
👤 Usuario B: Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
Use: Casual yet polite; common in Spain.
4. Buenas (Short for buenas tardes)
Origin:
An informal, clipped version often heard in Latin America and parts of Spain.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Buenas, ¿ya empezó la reunión?
👤 Usuario B: Sí, hace cinco minutos.
Use: Informal; quick and practical.
5. Feliz tarde (Happy afternoon)
Origin:
More common in Latin America, especially Venezuela and Colombia. It’s used like a polite farewell or well-wishing.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Gracias por su ayuda.
👤 Usuario B: Con gusto. ¡Feliz tarde!
Use: Polite, often used to end a conversation or customer interaction.
6. Tardes
Origin:
A super casual and clipped version of buenas tardes — think of it like saying just “Afternoon!” in English.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: ¡Tardes! ¿Listo para el juego?
👤 Usuario B: ¡Claro que sí!
Use: Very informal and local.
7. Hola, ¿qué tal la tarde? (Hi, how’s the afternoon going?)
Origin:
Combines a greeting with a check-in on the person’s day — more conversational.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Hola, ¿qué tal la tarde?
👤 Usuario B: Tranquila, gracias. ¿Y la tuya?
Use: Friendly, semi-casual, good for friends and coworkers.
8. Buenas tardes a todos (Good afternoon, everyone)
Origin:
A formal or group greeting, used in meetings, classrooms, or public speaking.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Buenas tardes a todos. Gracias por venir.
👤 Grupo: Buenas tardes.
Use: Formal, used to address a group.
9. Lindo atardecer (Lovely evening/sunset)
Origin:
Used poetically or romantically to admire the time of day — more common in messages or scenic situations.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Lindo atardecer, ¿no crees?
👤 Usuario B: Sí, es precioso. Me encanta esta hora.
Use: Romantic, poetic, or expressive.
10. Que tengas una buena tarde (Have a good afternoon)
Origin:
Used to wish someone well as you’re parting, similar to “Have a great afternoon.”
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Me voy ya.
👤 Usuario B: Que tengas una buena tarde.
Use: Polite and warm farewell.
11. Qué buena tarde hace (What a nice afternoon it is)
Origin:
A weather-based greeting — like making small talk about the day.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Qué buena tarde hace, ¿verdad?
👤 Usuario B: Sí, ideal para salir a caminar.
Use: Friendly and spontaneous.
12. Saludos de la tarde (Afternoon greetings)
Origin:
Less common in speech, but found in formal writing or emails.
Example:
👤 Correo electrónico: Saludos de la tarde. Espero que todo esté bien.
👤 Respuesta: Gracias. Igualmente.
Use: Formal, typically in letters or email.
13. Buenas tardes, mi gente (Good afternoon, my people)
Origin:
Popular in Latin American media, especially among influencers or presenters talking to their audience.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Buenas tardes, mi gente. Hoy les traigo una receta deliciosa…
👤 Usuario B: ¡Me encanta! Siempre aprendo algo nuevo.
Use: Friendly and charismatic; social media or group settings.
14. Buena tarde para ti (Good afternoon to you)
Origin:
A kind and direct greeting, often used as a polite return or warm wish.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: ¡Hola! Buena tarde para ti.
👤 Usuario B: ¡Gracias! Igualmente.
Use: Courteous and affectionate.
15. Buenas tardes, corazón (Good afternoon, sweetheart)
Origin:
Used with loved ones, especially in Spain and Latin America. Adds tenderness to the greeting.
Example:
👤 Usuario A: Buenas tardes, corazón. ¿Cómo te fue hoy?
👤 Usuario B: Bien, mi amor. Gracias por preguntar.
Use: Romantic or close relationships.
FAQs
1. What is the basic way to say “Good afternoon” in Spanish?
The basic phrase is “Buenas tardes.”
2. Is “Buenas tardes” formal or informal?
It is both. You can use it in any situation.
3. What time do I say “Buenas tardes”?
From after 12:00 PM until sunset/evening.
4. How do I greet a group of people politely?
Say “Buenas tardes a todos” (Good afternoon everyone).
5. How do I say “Have a nice afternoon” in Spanish?
You can say “Que tengas una buena tarde.” (informal)
or “Que tenga una buena tarde.” (formal)
6. How do I say “Hope your afternoon is great” in Spanish?
Say “Espero que tu tarde sea genial.”
7. How do I say “Good afternoon, sir/ma’am” politely?
- Sir: Buenas tardes, señor.
- Ma’am: Buenas tardes, señora.
8. Can I text “Buenas tardes”?
Yes, it’s commonly used in messages and chats.
9. How do I say “Good afternoon, everyone” in Spanish?
Say “Buenas tardes a todos.”
10. How do I say “Good afternoon, how are you?” in Spanish?
Say “Buenas tardes, ¿cómo estás?” (informal)
or “Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está?” (formal)
Conclusion:
How to Say Good Afternoon in Spanish is most commonly expressed with “Buenas tardes”, a phrase that works in nearly every setting. Whether you’re greeting a friend, meeting someone new, or addressing colleagues, this simple expression shows respect and friendliness. By learning a few variations, you can adjust your tone and make conversations more engaging.
