tardes
“tardes” means “afternoons” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
afternoons, evenings
Also: pm
📝 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.
that you delay, don't delay
Also: that you take time
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tardes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tardes' correctly as a greeting?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin root *tardus*, meaning 'slow' or 'late.' This gave rise to the noun 'tarde' (the late part of the day) and the verb 'tardar' (to be slow or delay).
First recorded: Old Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.