Now, in the US, there appear to be more clear delineations between what's morning, afternoon, and evening: say a morning greeting until noon, an afternoon greeting until dusk, and an evening greeting after dusk. If you say good morning after noon, you're likely to receive a giggle. Not here. It is perfectly fine to say buenos días after 12 PM and buenas tardes when it's dark. I seriously can't figure it out. The rules of when to say what are nebulous, at best -- very similar, I find, to the rules of this game we call driving.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Buenos...Buenos...?
I kind of feel stupid for still not knowing the rules of when to say buenos días, buenas tardes, or buenas noches, but when an annoying street musician stepped on my bus on Monday, he fumbled his greeting with "Buenos...buenos...", stared down at his watch (it was nearing 1 PM), finished with "tardes", and ended with an awkward smile. Maybe I'm not the only one who can't seem to internalize when to say what. Many times, I'm caught saying one greeting and receive a completely different greeting in reply. For example, around 1 PM today, I said buenas tardes to someone in passing, and he replied back with a buenos días.
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While growing up, I was taught that you say Buenos Dias until 12 noon. After that, it's Buenas Tardes. BUT...I've noticed in Mexico that it is perfectly acceptable to say Buenos Dias until 2 PM. Most Mexicans argue that since they haven't had their mid-day meal, it's still Buenos Dias!
ReplyDeleteAs for saying Buenas tardes, you say that pretty much until dark. Buenas Noches is used mostly as a "Despedida" (goodbye) or when wishing someone good night.
Hope this helps a bit. I'm sure Bob will be able to clear this up! :D
So this is actually a point of contention? That makes me feel less of an idiot.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, I have heard Mexicans correct Mexicans when it comes to the times between noon and 3pm so I think your doing fine Alice. ;)
ReplyDeleteNice to read I am not the only one who has given it some thought. My mother in law is Spanish speaking & from Mexico. Every time I greet her between mid-day I start off - Buenas.. (and then) I take a peek at my watch to see if its past 12 noon because she will correct me. Buenas tardes I believe is until the sun is completely set right?? Then it turns into buenas notches...
ReplyDeleteHi SonoraTim,
ReplyDeleteDon't think it's exactly kosher to say "buenas noches" to someone after the sun sets unless you're saying goodbye or going to bed. See Leslie's comment. I know I tried saying "buenas noches" to someone as a greeting once (when it was dark out), and it just felt funny.
Sometimes I like to play it safe and just say "Buenas" There is less confusion that way. Have a good one.
ReplyDeleteIn Cancun, if you say "buenos dias" after 12 pm, you will often be corrected. "Buenas tardes" is from noon til about 8 pm. After that, it's "buenas noches".
ReplyDeleteWhat confuses me is "buen dia"... I'm about 60% sure that it's used as a formal goodbye. I agree with SonoraTim, though. "Buenas" is always a good bet.