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.
We will depart at 3 p.m.
Literally 'past noon', used for early afternoon. More casual than 午後.
Means 'all afternoon' or 'throughout the afternoon'. Used when emphasizing the entire duration.
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.
Good afternoon, how are you?
Referring to a specific afternoon in relation to today, yesterday, or tomorrow.
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.
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.
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.).
Let's take a break in the early afternoon.
It rained all afternoon.