What is the difference between "noches", "tardes" in Spanish?

The English word 'evenings' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the specific time of day and context. Understanding these differences is key to sounding natural when speaking Spanish.

How to Say "evenings" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “evenings” is “noches” — use 'noches' to refer to the later part of the day, after sunset and before midnight, often associated with nighttime activities.

nochesA1

Use 'noches' to refer to the later part of the day, after sunset and before midnight, often associated with nighttime activities.

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tardesA1

Use 'tardes' for the afternoon and early evening hours, typically from around noon until sunset. It's also part of the common greeting 'Buenas tardes'.

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English → Spanish

noches

NO-chessˈno.t͡ʃes

NounA1General

Use 'noches' to refer to the later part of the day, after sunset and before midnight, often associated with nighttime activities.

A visual representation of three separate, dark night skies displayed side-by-side, each showing a different lunar phase (crescent, half, and full), illustrating the concept of multiple nights.

Examples

Las noches de verano son muy agradables.

Summer evenings are very pleasant.

Las noches de verano son mis favoritas.

Summer nights are my favorite.

Trabajo tres noches a la semana.

I work three nights a week.

Pasamos muchas noches sin dormir por el proyecto.

We spent many sleepless nights because of the project.

Making 'Noche' Plural

'Noches' is simply the plural of 'noche' (night). Because 'noche' ends in a vowel, you just add an '-s' to talk about more than one.

Using 'Por la Noche' vs. 'En la Noche'

Mistake: “Incorrect in some regions: 'Voy a la fiesta en las noches.'”

Correction: More standard: 'Voy a la fiesta por las noches.' Both mean 'at night,' but 'por' is very common in Spain, while 'en' is more frequent in parts of Latin America. Using 'por' is usually a safe bet.

tardes

TAR-dehsˈtaɾ.ðes

NounA1General

Use 'tardes' for the afternoon and early evening hours, typically from around noon until sunset. It's also part of the common greeting 'Buenas tardes'.

A colorful illustration showing three small houses aligned on a hill, each casting a long, distinct shadow from the low, warm sun, symbolizing multiple afternoons.

Examples

Buenas tardes, ¿puedo ayudarle?

Good afternoon/evening, can I help you?

Buenas tardes, ¿cómo estás?

Good afternoon/evening, how are you?

Pasamos muchas tardes en el parque este verano.

We spent many afternoons in the park this summer.

Las clases son los martes y jueves por las tardes.

The classes are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

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'.

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.

Noches vs. Tardes

The most common mistake is using 'noches' for the entire period after lunch. Remember that 'tardes' covers the afternoon and early evening, while 'noches' refers to the later, darker hours after sunset.

Related Translations

afternoons don't delay good evening good night nights pm

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