How to say “Good Afternoon” in Italian
Buon Pomeriggio
The most straightforward way to say “good afternoon” in Italian is buon pomeriggio. This phrase is used specifically for the afternoon, which typically falls between lunchtime and the early evening.
While it is grammatically correct and perfectly polite, notice that buon pomeriggio is not as commonly used as other Italian greetings.
This is why I will here show you other ways to say “good afternoon” in Italian.
Buongiorno
As you might know already, in Italian buongiorno literally translates to “good day” or “good morning”. However, Italians frequently use it even in the afternoon.
It is the default greeting for much of the day, which is why you might hear people saying buongiorno until 3 p.m., especially in casual interactions.
Buonasera
In the previous section, I chose 3 p.m. not too randomly. There is no written rule, but 3 p.m. for me feels like a right moment to switch from buongiorno – or buon pomeriggio – to buonasera, which means “good evening” in Italian.
Generally speaking, Italians start using buonasera in the late afternoon, but of course it may vary depending on the region and the situation. This transition from afternoon to evening happens with more preciseness in formal settings, like shops or restaurants.
Master Italian Greetings
If you want to sound natural and polite when greeting people in Italian, it’s important to understand the nuances of when to say what. By learning these greetings and their appropriate contexts, you’ll make a positive impression on the people you meet.
So next time you’re in Italy during the afternoon, don’t hesitate to say buon pomeriggio and see how it enhances your interactions!
