Meaning
Referring to the middle part of the day.
Cultural Background
The 'tarde' is famously long, often lasting until 9:00 PM. This is due to the late lunch and the 'siesta' culture, which pushes the second half of the day later into the evening. In Mexico, you are much more likely to hear 'en la tarde' than 'por la tarde'. Both are understood, but 'en' is the local preference. Argentines often use 'a la tarde'. The 'merienda' (afternoon tea/snack) is a sacred ritual around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Similar to Mexico, 'en la tarde' is very common. The afternoon is often a time for 'un tinto' (a small black coffee).
The 8 PM Rule
In Spain, remember that 'por la tarde' lasts until about 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. Don't say 'por la noche' too early!
Specific Hours
Never use 'por' with a specific time. It's 'a las 3 de la tarde', not 'a las 3 por la tarde'.
Meaning
Referring to the middle part of the day.
The 8 PM Rule
In Spain, remember that 'por la tarde' lasts until about 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. Don't say 'por la noche' too early!
Specific Hours
Never use 'por' with a specific time. It's 'a las 3 de la tarde', not 'a las 3 por la tarde'.
Regional Fluency
If you are in Mexico, switch to 'en la tarde' to sound like a local instantly.
The Merienda
If someone invites you for something 'por la tarde', expect a small snack (merienda) around 5-6 PM.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article.
Estudio español _______ tarde.
We use 'por la' for general time periods in the afternoon.
Which sentence is correct for a specific time?
How do you say 'At 5:00 in the afternoon'?
Specific hours require the preposition 'de'.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: ¿Cuándo vas al gimnasio? María: __________, porque por la mañana trabajo.
María is talking about her general routine, so 'por la tarde' is the best fit.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell someone you will do something 'this afternoon' (specifically today).
'Esta tarde' is used for the current day's afternoon.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Por vs De
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEstudio español _______ tarde.
We use 'por la' for general time periods in the afternoon.
How do you say 'At 5:00 in the afternoon'?
Specific hours require the preposition 'de'.
Juan: ¿Cuándo vas al gimnasio? María: __________, porque por la mañana trabajo.
María is talking about her general routine, so 'por la tarde' is the best fit.
You want to tell someone you will do something 'this afternoon' (specifically today).
'Esta tarde' is used for the current day's afternoon.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context, from business to family.
Yes, it is the standard in Latin America, though 'por' is preferred in Spain.
Usually when the sun sets or when people have dinner (around 8-9 PM).
'Tarde' is a feminine noun in Spanish.
Use 'esta tarde' without the preposition 'por'.
'Tarde' is the time of day or 'late'. 'Atrasado' means 'behind schedule' or 'delayed'.
Usually, 1:00 PM is still 'mediodía' (midday). 'La tarde' starts after lunch, around 2:00 PM.
Yes, use the plural to talk about habits (e.g., 'I run in the afternoons').
No, time periods are not capitalized in Spanish unless they start a sentence.
It's a modern slang term for going out to bars in the afternoon.
Say 'ayer por la tarde'.
Yes, this is common in Argentina and Uruguay.
Related Phrases
por la mañana
contrastin the morning
por la noche
contrastat night
esta tarde
similarthis afternoon
ayer por la tarde
builds onyesterday afternoon
tardeo
specialized formafternoon partying
