When to switch from Buenos días to Buenas tardes

Question

A friend who worked in an English speaking call centre was saying that the 'Good morning' greeting on the telephone stops on the dot at 12 noon. After 12 noon she would have to say 'Good afternoon' to greet customers.

What about Spanish call centres ? When is the cut-off point at which "Buenos días" changes to "Buenas tardes" ?

Un amigo que trabajaba en un centro de llamadas de inglés decía que el saludo "Good morning" en el teléfono se detiene en el punto a las 12 mediodía. Después de mediodía tendría que decir "Good afternoon" para saludar a los clientes.

¿Qué pasa con los centros de llamadas hispanohablantes? ¿Cuándo es el punto de corte en el que "Buenos días" cambia a "Buenas tardes"?

Answer 1

In Spain normally you change to buenas tardes after you had lunch, around 2-3pm.

Answer 2

It depends on the time you have lunch. Usually at noon, but if you haven't had lunch yet you may say "Good morning" at 1pm and nothing happens. Anyway, after 1pm I recommend you say "Buenas tardes"

• Now I know for sure! In Spain they are just weird, having lunch at 2-3pm.... cO - Alrisaera Feb 23, 2010
• The same happens in big cities in Argentina. People usually have a late lunch. :) - Benz Feb 23, 2010

Answer 3

In Mexico we start to say buenas tardes (good afternoon) right after noon (12:01 PM)