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"En la tarde" is a phrase which is often translated as "in the afternoon", and "por la tarde" is a phrase which is also often translated as "in the afternoon". Learn more about the difference between "en la tarde" and "por la tarde" below.
en la tarde(
ehn
lah
tahr
-
deh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. in the afternoon
Las entradas se pusieron a la venta un lunes por la mañana y, en la tarde de ese mismo día, estaban agotadas.The tickets were put up for sale on a Monday morning, and, in the afternoon of that same day, they were sold out.
b. in the evening
En la tarde del día en cuestión, el sospechoso fue visto a las 8 en las inmediaciones de la escena del crimen.In the evening of the day in question, the suspect was seen in the vicinity of the crime scene at 8 o'clock.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
El gabinete de ministros se reunirá de nuevo a las 4 en la tarde del martes.The cabinet of ministers will meet again at 4 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon.
En la tarde de ayer, hasta bien entrada la noche, se sucedieron las muestras de solidaridad con las víctimas.Yesterday evening, well into the night, demonstrations of solidarity with the victims followed one another.
por la tarde(
pohr
lah
tahr
-
deh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. in the afternoon (from noon until sunset)
Sale de la escuela por la tarde.She gets out of school in the afternoon.
b. in the evening (in the latter part of the day before the sun goes down)
Vamos al ensayo de coro por la tarde.We go to choir practice in the evening.