The word tarde is a noun and can also be used as an adverb.
/tarde/
Tarde primarily means "afternoon" or "evening" when used as a noun, and it refers to the latter part of the day, typically from noon to nightfall. As an adverb, it can mean "late" or "after the expected time."
In Spanish, it is commonly used in both written and oral contexts, with a slight preference for oral communication in informal settings.
Frequency of Use The word tarde is frequently used in everyday conversations, schedules, and expressions regarding time.
Hoy pasaré la tarde en casa.
(Today I will spend the afternoon at home.)
La reunión es en la tarde.
(The meeting is in the afternoon.)
Llegué tarde a la cita.
(I arrived late to the appointment.)
Tarde is also used in various idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language:
No quiero oír tu excusa de que llegaste tarde; a tardar y a correr.
(I don’t want to hear your excuse for being late; to get scared and run.)
Tarde o temprano – "Sooner or later."
Tarde o temprano, tendrás que enfrentar la verdad.
(Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.)
Es tarde para llorar – "It’s too late to cry."
Ahora que perdiste la oportunidad, es tarde para llorar.
(Now that you've lost the opportunity, it’s too late to cry.)
No hay mal que por bien no venga tarde – "Every cloud has a silver lining (eventually)."
Aunque perdí el trabajo, encontré algo mejor; no hay mal que por bien no venga tarde.
(Even though I lost my job, I found something better; every cloud has a silver lining (eventually).)
Cada cosa a su tiempo y a su tarde – "Everything at its time."
The word tarde comes from the Latin term tardīnus, which is derived from tardus, meaning slow or late. This etymology reflects its connotations of lateness in both its time-related and adverbial uses.
Synonyms: - tarde (as an afternoon) → vespertina (evening-related) - tarde (as late) → demorado (delayed)
Antonyms: - temprano (early) - puntual (on time)