How To Say "Good Evening" In Spanish
As the second most spoken language in the world, Spanish has several ways to greet people depending on the time of day and the region. If you are wondering how to say "good evening" in Spanish, this article will provide you with different options to greet someone in a friendly and polite way.
Fast track your vocabulary with the 10.000 most common Spanish words!
What is "Good Evening" in Spanish?
In Spanish, "good evening" can be translated into different expressions depending on the region, the formality of the situation, and the time of day. Here are some of the most common translations of "good evening" in Spanish:
- Buenas tardes (IPA: /ˈbwe.nas ˈtaɾ.ðes/): This is the most common way to say "good evening" in Spanish. It literally means "good afternoon", but it is used until the evening, usually from 1 pm to 8 pm.
- Buena tarde (IPA: /ˈbwe.na ˈtaɾ.ðe/): This is a variation of the previous expression, but it is less common. It is used mostly in some Latin American countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
- Buenas noches (IPA: /ˈbwe.nas ˈno.tʃes/): This expression literally means "good night," but it is also used to say "good evening" from around 8 pm until midnight. However, in some regions like Andalusia, in southern Spain, it is used from 2 pm to midnight.
- Buena noche (IPA: /ˈbwe.na ˈno.tʃe/): This is another variation of "good evening", but it is less common than "buenas noches". It is used mostly in some Latin American countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
4 eBooks of the Spanish Frequency Dictionaries series by MostUsedWords
Meaning of "Good Evening" in Spanish
In Spanish, as in English, "good evening" is a polite way to greet someone in the late afternoon or early evening. It is a way to show respect and interest in the other person's well-being. In some regions, "good evening" is also used to say goodbye at the end of the day, especially if you are not going to see the person again until the next day.
Regional Differences
As we mentioned before, the translation of "good evening" in Spanish can vary depending on the region. For example, in some parts of Spain, "buenas noches" is used from 2 pm to midnight, while in other regions like Catalonia, "buenas tardes" is used until 9 pm. In Latin America, the use of "buenas tardes" and "buenas noches" can also vary from country to country. For instance, in Argentina, "buenas tardes" is used until 6 pm, while in Mexico, it is used until 8 pm.
You can find the paperbacks on Amazon (we have frequency dictionaries for beginners, intermediates, advanced and near-fluent students), or get the eBooks directly from us here. (They are affiliate links. That means we might get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, at no extra cost to you.)
How to Say "Good Evening" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "good evening" in Spanish:
- Buenas tardes, ¿cómo estás?
(Good evening, how are you?)
- ¡Buenas tardes a todos!
(Good evening, everyone!)
- Me gustaría reservar una mesa para dos para esta noche. Buenas tardes.
(I would like to book a table for two for tonight. Good evening.)
- Buenas tardes, ¿dónde está el baño?
(Good evening, where is the bathroom?)
- Gracias por su ayuda. Buenas tardes.
(Thank you for your help. Good evening.)
Conclusion
Knowing how to say "good evening" in Spanish is a must if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and communicate effectively with Spanish speakers. Remember that the use of "buenas tardes" may vary depending on the region, so it is essential to adapt to local customs and habits. We hope that this article has been helpful, and now you can confidently use "buenas tardes" in your conversations.