tardes
/TAR-dehs/
afternoons
As a noun, 'tardes' means 'afternoons,' referring to multiple instances of that time of day.
tardes(noun)
afternoons
?plural form of the time of day
,evenings
?used in the common greeting 'Buenas tardes'
pm
?referring to time periods after 12:00
📝 In Action
Buenas tardes, ¿cómo estás?
A1Good afternoon/evening, how are you?
Pasamos muchas tardes en el parque este verano.
A2We spent many afternoons in the park this summer.
Las clases son los martes y jueves por las tardes.
A2The classes are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
💡 Grammar Points
When is 'tarde' vs 'tardes'?
Use the plural 'tardes' (with 's') only for the fixed greeting 'Buenas tardes'. When talking about the time of day, use the singular 'tarde' unless you mean 'many afternoons' or 'every afternoon'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Buenas tardas'
Mistake: "Using the wrong ending for the greeting: *Buenas tardas."
Correction: The correct phrase is 'Buenas tardes'. Remember that 'tardes' is the plural feminine noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Greeting Times
Use 'Buenas tardes' from noon (12 PM) until sunset or until the evening meal/activity begins. This can stretch until 8 PM or 9 PM in some countries.
As a verb form used in the subjunctive, 'tardes' means 'that you delay' or 'that you take a long time.'
tardes(verb)
that you delay
?present subjunctive, used after expressions of wish, doubt, or necessity
,don't delay
?negative command (imperative)
that you take time
?present subjunctive
📝 In Action
Espero que no tardes mucho en llegar.
B2I hope you don't take long to arrive.
No tardes en llamarme cuando salgas.
B1Don't delay calling me when you leave.
Quizás tardes más de lo esperado debido al tráfico.
B2Maybe you'll take longer than expected due to traffic.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Requirement
'Tardes' is the form you use for the informal 'you' when talking about wishes, doubts, or non-reality. For example, after 'Espero que...' (I hope that...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive/Indicative
Mistake: "Saying: 'Espero que tú *tardas*' (using the standard present form)."
Correction: When expressing hope or desire, you must change the verb form to the subjunctive: 'Espero que tú *tardes*'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Negative Commands
The negative command 'Don't delay!' uses this exact form: 'No tardes'. (The regular positive command is 'Tarda').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tardes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tardes' correctly as a greeting?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Spanish speakers use the plural 'Buenas tardes'?
While it seems strange to use the plural ('Good afternoons'), this phrase likely evolved from older forms like 'Buenas horas te dé Dios' (May God give you good hours). Over time, many Spanish greetings, like 'Buenos días' and 'Buenas tardes,' settled into their plural forms.
Is 'tardes' ever the conjugation of a different verb?
No. 'Tardes' is exclusively the 'tú' conjugation for the verb 'tardar' (to delay) in the present subjunctive and negative imperative moods.