Portuguese Phrase
Boa tarde
Meaning
'Boa tarde' is the standard greeting in Portuguese used from midday until the sun sets. It is a versatile phrase that functions both as a greeting when arriving and a polite farewell when leaving during the afternoon hours.
When to use
Use this phrase between 12:00 PM and roughly 6:00 PM. It is appropriate for formal situations like business meetings and casual interactions like greeting a neighbor or a shopkeeper.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Boatarde
Gender Agreement
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun. 'Boa' is the feminine form of 'bom' to match the feminine noun 'tarde'.
Usage of Tarde
'Tarde' refers specifically to the afternoon period. Unlike English, Portuguese speakers switch to 'Boa noite' as soon as it gets dark, even if it is still early.
🗨In Conversation
Olá, boa tarde! Como vai o senhor?
Hello, good afternoon! How are you, sir?
Boa tarde! Vou bem, obrigado.
Good afternoon! I am doing well, thank you.
✕Common Mistakes
Bom tarde
'Tarde' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must also be feminine ('Boa') to match.
Boa dia
'Dia' is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine adjective 'Bom'.
↔Alternatives
Oi, boa tarde
Hi, good afternoon
Tenha uma boa tarde
Have a good afternoon
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is considered polite to greet everyone when entering a confined space like an elevator or a small clinic waiting room. In Brazil, the 'de' in 'tarde' is often pronounced like 'dji', whereas in Portugal, the final 'e' is very short or silent.