Translation guide
In Japanese, 'afternoon' is most commonly expressed as 午後 (gogo), but the specific word used depends on context, time of day, and formality. This guide covers the main ways to refer to the afternoon period.
Referring to the time of day from noon until evening, in a general sense.
The standard word for 'afternoon' or 'p.m.' Used in formal and written contexts, as well as in time expressions.
I have a meeting in the afternoon.
午後３時に出発します。
We will depart at 3 p.m.
Literally 'past noon', used for early afternoon. More casual than 午後.
昼過ぎにちょっと休みましょう。
Let's take a break in the early afternoon.
Means 'all afternoon' or 'throughout the afternoon'. Used when emphasizing the entire duration.
午後中ずっと雨でした。
It rained all afternoon.
Saying 'good afternoon' as a greeting.
The standard greeting used from late morning until evening. It is not exclusively 'good afternoon' but is the closest equivalent.
こんにちは、お元気ですか。
Good afternoon, how are you?
Referring to a specific afternoon in relation to today, yesterday, or tomorrow.
Literally 'today's afternoon'. The most common way to say 'this afternoon'.
今日の午後、買い物に行きます。
I'm going shopping this afternoon.
'Yesterday afternoon'.
昨日の午後、何をしましたか。
What did you do yesterday afternoon?
'Tomorrow afternoon'.
明日の午後は空いていますか。
Are you free tomorrow afternoon?
Distinguishing between the early part of the afternoon and the later part.
Refers to the early afternoon, typically from just after noon to around 2 or 3 p.m. Has a slightly literary or refined feel.
昼下がりの喫茶店で本を読んだ。
I read a book at a café in the early afternoon.
Literally 'before evening', used for late afternoon. Not a fixed word but a common phrase.
夕方前に散歩しましょう。
Let's take a walk in the late afternoon.
While 午後 means 'afternoon', it is not used as a greeting. Saying 「午後！」 to greet someone is unnatural. Use こんにちは instead.
When telling time, 午後 is placed before the hour: 午後３時 (3 p.m.). It can also be used with 午前 (a.m.) to clarify: 午後１時 (1 p.m.).