vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Tarde" is a form of "tarde", an adverb which is often translated as "late". "La cena" is a form of "la cena", a phrase which is often translated as "dinner". Learn more about the difference between "tarde" and "la cena" below.
tarde, la tarde(
tahr
-
deh
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. late
Date prisa, vamos a llegar tarde.Hurry up; we are going to be late.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. afternoon (from noon until sunset)
Esta tarde me voy de compras con mis amigas.I'm going shopping with my friends this afternoon.
b. evening (around sunset)
Te veré esta tarde después del trabajo.I'll see you this evening after work.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
la cena(
lah
 
seh
-
nah
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. dinner
¿Quién va a hacer la cena esta noche? - Yo no, yo la hice ayer.Who's going to make dinner this evening? - Not me, I made it yesterday.
b. supper
La cena está lista. Pongan la mesa, por favor.Supper is ready. Set the table, please.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.