Good afternoon
Afternoon greeting
Use it to sound polite and professional between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
En 15 segundos
- A polite greeting used from noon until early evening.
- More professional and respectful than a simple 'Hello'.
- Perfect for business, shopping, or meeting strangers.
Significado
This is a polite way to say hello to someone during the middle of the day. You use it after the morning ends but before the sun starts to go down.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Entering a bank
Good afternoon, I would like to open an account.
Good afternoon, I would like to open an account.
Greeting a neighbor
Good afternoon, Mr. Smith! Lovely weather today.
Good afternoon, Mr. Smith! Lovely weather today.
Starting a formal presentation
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming.
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming.
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects the Western emphasis on punctuality and the division of the workday. Historically, it was a way for the upper classes to acknowledge one another during social calls. Today, it remains a staple of professional etiquette in the UK, US, and Canada.
The 12:00 Rule
Never say it before noon! Even at 11:59 AM, you should say `Good morning`. People are very specific about this.
The British 'Afternoon'
In the UK, just saying `Afternoon` with a nod is a very common way for neighbors to greet each other while walking.
En 15 segundos
- A polite greeting used from noon until early evening.
- More professional and respectful than a simple 'Hello'.
- Perfect for business, shopping, or meeting strangers.
What It Means
Good afternoon is a classic English greeting. It is used between 12:00 PM and roughly 5:00 PM. It is more polite than a simple Hi. It shows you are being respectful. Think of it as a bridge between morning and evening. It acknowledges the time of day specifically.
How To Use It
You can use it when entering a shop. You can use it when starting a meeting. It works well as a standalone greeting. You say it, wait for a response, and then continue. Sometimes people use it as a polite way to say goodbye. This is less common but still very correct. It feels warm but professional.
When To Use It
Use it when you meet your boss in the hallway. Use it when calling a customer service line. It is perfect for a hotel check-in. If you walk into a library, this is the right choice. It is great for people you do not know well. It makes you sound educated and calm. Even at a fancy lunch, this phrase fits perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it at 10:00 AM. That is still morning! Do not use it at 8:00 PM. That is definitely evening. Avoid using it with your very best friends. It might sound too stiff or robotic. They might ask why you are being so formal. If you are at a loud party, stick to Hey. Good afternoon is too quiet for a disco.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, time-based greetings are very traditional. They date back centuries. Good afternoon became a standard polite marker in the 1800s. It was a sign of good breeding and manners. Today, it is less common in casual American English. However, it remains very popular in British English. It suggests a certain level of social grace.
Common Variations
In the UK, some people just say Afternoon!. This is a bit more relaxed. In professional emails, you might see Good afternoon, [Name]. Some people might say Good day, but that is very old-fashioned. In Australia, you might hear G'day, which covers the whole day. Stick to the full version for the best results.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly recommended for professional environments or when speaking to people older than you.
The 12:00 Rule
Never say it before noon! Even at 11:59 AM, you should say `Good morning`. People are very specific about this.
The British 'Afternoon'
In the UK, just saying `Afternoon` with a nod is a very common way for neighbors to greet each other while walking.
Not for Bedtime
Don't confuse this with `Good night`. `Good afternoon` is for hello, but `Good night` is almost always for goodbye.
Ejemplos
6Good afternoon, I would like to open an account.
Good afternoon, I would like to open an account.
Sets a respectful tone for a business transaction.
Good afternoon, Mr. Smith! Lovely weather today.
Good afternoon, Mr. Smith! Lovely weather today.
Polite and friendly for a community setting.
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming.
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming.
A standard way to begin a speech or meeting.
Good afternoon! Do you have a moment to chat?
Good afternoon! Do you have a moment to chat?
Professional but slightly softened by the exclamation mark.
Well, good afternoon, Your Majesty! Nice of you to wake up.
Well, good afternoon, Your Majesty! Nice of you to wake up.
Used sarcastically if someone wakes up very late.
Good afternoon, Grandma. I brought you some flowers.
Good afternoon, Grandma. I brought you some flowers.
Shows gentle respect and care.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best greeting for a job interview at 2:00 PM.
___, it is a pleasure to meet you.
Since it is 2:00 PM, 'Good afternoon' is the correct and professional choice.
How do you shorten the phrase to sound more casual?
___! How's it going?
Dropping the 'Good' makes the greeting feel more relaxed and friendly.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Greeting Formality Scale
Very casual, for friends.
Hey man!
Neutral, works everywhere.
Hello there.
Polite and professional.
Good afternoon, sir.
Where to use Good Afternoon
Hotel Lobby
Checking in at 3 PM
Office
Meeting a client
Retail Store
Talking to a clerk
Doctor's Office
Arriving for an appointment
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt starts exactly at 12:00 PM (noon). Before that, you must use Good morning.
Usually around 5:00 PM or when the sun begins to set. After that, switch to Good evening.
It might sound a bit funny or sarcastic. With friends, Hi or Hey is much more natural.
Yes, it is a very professional way to start an email sent during work hours, like Good afternoon, Team.
Yes, but it is more common in formal settings like banks, hotels, or business meetings.
Good day is very old-fashioned and rarely used now. Good afternoon is the modern standard.
Yes, you can say Good afternoon as you leave a shop, meaning 'Have a good afternoon'.
No, it is just more casual. It is common among people who see each other often.
Don't worry! People will usually just smile or jokingly correct you by saying Good morning.
The easiest way is to say the exact same thing back: Good afternoon!.
Frases relacionadas
Good morning
Greeting used from sunrise until noon.
Good evening
Greeting used from 5:00 PM until night.
Have a nice day
A common way to say goodbye during daylight hours.
G'day
A casual Australian greeting used anytime.
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