Boa tarde!
Littéralement: Good afternoon
Use 'Boa tarde' to greet anyone politely between lunch and sunset in any social or professional setting.
En 15 secondes
- The standard greeting used from midday until sunset.
- Polite enough for bosses but friendly enough for neighbors.
- Can function as both a 'hello' and a 'goodbye'.
Signification
This is the standard, friendly way to say 'Good afternoon' in Portuguese. You use it from lunch time until the sun goes down.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Entering a local bakery
Boa tarde! Queria dois pães, por favor.
Good afternoon! I would like two breads, please.
Starting a formal business meeting
Boa tarde a todos, vamos começar?
Good afternoon everyone, shall we start?
Texting a colleague about a task
Boa tarde, João! Você viu o relatório?
Good afternoon, João! Did you see the report?
Contexte culturel
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, greeting everyone in a room or a small shop is a social requirement. 'Boa tarde' serves as a polite acknowledgment of others' presence, reflecting a communal rather than individualistic social structure. In rural areas, it is common to exchange this greeting with every passerby as a sign of respect and safety.
The 'Lunch' Rule
In many regions, people only switch from 'Bom dia' to 'Boa tarde' after they have actually eaten lunch, even if it is already 1:30 PM!
Don't be a 'Ghost'
Walking into a small Portuguese shop without saying 'Boa tarde' is considered quite cold. Always acknowledge the staff!
En 15 secondes
- The standard greeting used from midday until sunset.
- Polite enough for bosses but friendly enough for neighbors.
- Can function as both a 'hello' and a 'goodbye'.
What It Means
Boa tarde is your go-to greeting for the middle of the day. It literally translates to 'Good afternoon'. It is warm, polite, and incredibly common. You will hear it everywhere from busy city streets to quiet beach towns.
How To Use It
Simply say it when you walk into a place. You can use it as a standalone greeting. You can also add a title like Boa tarde, senhor for extra politeness. It works perfectly when starting a conversation or just passing someone. It is the social glue of the Portuguese afternoon.
When To Use It
Start using it right after lunch, usually around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. Keep using it until it gets dark outside. It is perfect for entering a shop or starting a meeting. Use it when you answer the phone at work. It even works when you are leaving a place as a polite 'goodbye'.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it first thing in the morning. That is for Bom dia. Avoid it once the sun sets and the stars come out. At that point, switch to Boa noite. Do not use it if you are in a very rushed, high-energy environment. A simple Oi might be better there. Also, do not use it if you are already halfway through a conversation.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture places a high value on formal greetings. Skipping a greeting can sometimes feel a bit cold or rude. In smaller towns, people might say Boa tarde to strangers on the street. It reflects the relaxed, social pace of life in Lusophone countries. It is a small bridge that connects people throughout the day.
Common Variations
In casual settings, you might hear people shorten it. Some might just say Tarde! with a nod. In Brazil, you might hear a very melodic, drawn-out version. In Portugal, it tends to be a bit more clipped and crisp. You can also say Uma boa tarde para você to be extra sweet.
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral-to-formal greeting. It is safer to use 'Boa tarde' with strangers than 'Oi', as it shows you have good social etiquette.
The 'Lunch' Rule
In many regions, people only switch from 'Bom dia' to 'Boa tarde' after they have actually eaten lunch, even if it is already 1:30 PM!
Don't be a 'Ghost'
Walking into a small Portuguese shop without saying 'Boa tarde' is considered quite cold. Always acknowledge the staff!
The Regional 'Tarde'
In the countryside of Portugal or Brazil, you might hear a very short 'Tarde!' accompanied by a tip of a hat or a nod.
Exemples
6Boa tarde! Queria dois pães, por favor.
Good afternoon! I would like two breads, please.
Standard polite opening for a transaction.
Boa tarde a todos, vamos começar?
Good afternoon everyone, shall we start?
Sets a professional tone for the room.
Boa tarde, João! Você viu o relatório?
Good afternoon, João! Did you see the report?
A polite way to soften a work-related request.
Obrigado, doutor. Boa tarde!
Thank you, doctor. Good afternoon!
Used here as a polite way to say goodbye.
Acordou agora? Boa tarde, bela adormecida!
Just woke up? Good afternoon, sleeping beauty!
Used sarcastically to tease someone for sleeping late.
Boa tarde, Dona Maria. Como vai a senhora?
Good afternoon, Mrs. Maria. How are you doing?
Shows high respect for elders in the community.
Teste-toi
You walk into a café at 3:00 PM. How do you greet the barista?
___, eu queria um café expresso.
Since it is 3:00 PM, 'Boa tarde' is the correct time-specific greeting.
How would you politely say goodbye to a shopkeeper in the afternoon?
Obrigado! Tenha uma ___.
You can use 'boa tarde' as part of a farewell wish like 'Have a good afternoon'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of Afternoon Greetings
Just the essence
Tarde!
Standard and safe
Boa tarde
Polite and respectful
Muito boa tarde, senhor
Where to use Boa tarde
At the Post Office
Greeting the clerk
Walking the dog
Greeting a neighbor
Work Email
Opening a message
Elevator
Acknowledging a stranger
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsIt literally means 'Good afternoon'. 'Boa' is the feminine form of good, and 'tarde' is the feminine noun for afternoon.
Usually after 12:00 PM. However, many people wait until they have eaten lunch to make the switch from Bom dia.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional settings. It is neutral and shows good manners without being overly stiff.
Absolutely, though with very close friends you might just say Oi or Tudo bem?. Boa tarde adds a nice touch of warmth.
You can add a title such as Boa tarde, senhor (sir) or Boa tarde, senhora (ma'am). This is common in service industries.
Not exactly slang, but dropping the 'Boa' and just saying Tarde! is a very casual, shorthand way to greet someone.
The meaning is the same, but the pronunciation differs. In Brazil, the 'de' in tarde often sounds like a 'chee', while in Portugal it is a softer 'duh' sound.
Yes! It is very common to say Boa tarde as you are leaving a shop or hanging up a phone call in the afternoon.
You can say Boa tarde a todos to address a whole group at once. It is a very polite way to enter a room.
Don't worry! People will just think you are hungry for lunch. They might even correct you with a smile and say Bom dia.
It is feminine, which is why we use Boa (feminine) instead of Bom (masculine). Always remember: Boa tarde.
Expressions liées
Bom dia
Boa noite
Tenha uma boa tarde
Tudo bem?
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement