下午的英文怎么说？常用下午的英文表达大全

摘要：

How to Say "Afternoon" in English: A Comprehensive GuideIntroductionAs one of the most commonly used words in daily life, "afternoon" refers to the period of time between noon and evening. In English, there are various ways to express

How to Say "Afternoon" in English: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

As one of the most commonly used words in daily life, "afternoon" refers to the period of time between noon and evening. In English, there are various ways to express this concept, depending on the context and the speaker's preference. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the different expressions of "afternoon" in English, including their meanings, usage, and examples.

Part 1: Basic Expressions

= Afternoon

The most straightforward and common way to say "afternoon" in English is simply "afternoon". This word can be used in both formal and informal situations, and it is widely recognized and understood by native speakers. For example:

- "Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you today?"

- "I usually take a nap in the afternoon to recharge my energy."

- "Let's meet at the park this afternoon and h=e a picnic."

= PM

Another way to refer to the afternoon is by using the abbreviation "PM", which stands for "post meridiem" or "after midday" in Latin. This expression is often used in formal contexts, such as business or academic settings, where precise timekeeping is important. For example:

- "The meeting will start at 2 PM sharp, so please be on time."

- "The deadline for submitting the report is today at 5 PM."

- "The lecture on quantum physics will be held on Friday afternoon from 2 to 4 PM."

= Noon

Although "noon" technically refers to the exact moment when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, it is often used to indicate the early part of the afternoon, especially in casual conversations. For example:

- "I usually h=e lunch at noon and then go for a walk."

- "The movie starts at noon, so we still h=e some time to grab some snacks."

- "Let's meet at the café at noon and catch up on old times."

Part 2: Regional Expressions

= Arvo (Australia)

In Australian English, "arvo" is a colloquiali= for "afternoon". It is a shortened form of "afternoon", and it is commonly used in informal settings, such as among friends or family members. For example:

- "I'm going to the beach this arvo. Do you want to join me?"

- "The cricket match is on this arvo. Let's watch it together."

- "I'll finish the report this arvo and send it to you by email."

= Afternoon Tea (UK)

In British English, "afternoon tea" refers to a traditional ritual of h=ing a light meal consisting of tea, sandwiches, and cakes in the late afternoon, usually between 3 pm and 5 pm. This expression is often associated with the upper class and the Victorian era, and it is still observed in some formal settings, such as hotels or tea rooms. For example:

- "Would you like to h=e some afternoon tea with me at the Ritz?"

- "The Queen always has her afternoon tea at 4 pm sharp."

- "Afternoon tea is a great way to socialize and relax after a busy day."

= Siesta (Spain)

In Spanish-speaking countries, "siesta" is a cultural practice of taking a nap or resting during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 2 pm and 4 pm. This expression is not strictly equivalent to "afternoon", but it reflects a different attitude towards time and productivity. For example:

- "I always take a siesta after lunch to =oid the heat and recharge my batteries."

- "The shops are closed during siesta time, so let's go to the beach instead."

- "Siesta is an important part of the Mediterranean lifestyle and promotes well-being."

Part 3: Idiomatic Expressions

= Half Past

The expression "half past" is a common way to indicate the time when it is 30 minutes past the hour. In the context of "afternoon", it can be used to specify a more precise time without using the full hour. For example:

- "I'll meet you at the café at half past two in the afternoon."

- "The tour of the museum starts at half past three, so we still h=e some time to explore the city."

- "The doctor's appointment is at half past four, so I need to le=e work early."

= Late Afternoon

The expression "late afternoon" refers to the period of time between mid-afternoon and early evening, usually from 4 pm to 6 pm. This expression implies that the day is progressing towards its end, and that there is a sense of urgency or importance attached to the activities taking place during this time. For example:

- "The traffic is usually he=y in the late afternoon, so we need to le=e early to =oid delays."

- "I like to do my exercise routine in the late afternoon, when the weather is cooler."

- "The conference call with our partners is scheduled for late afternoon, so please make sure you're =ailable."

= Afternoon Delight

The expression "afternoon delight" is a euphemi= for a sexual encounter that takes place during the afternoon, usually between two consenting =s who are not in a committed relationship. This expression is mainly used in informal or humorous contexts, and it may be considered offensive or inappropriate in some situations. For example:

- "I had an unexpected afternoon delight with my neighbor yesterday. It was fun, but I hope it won't happen again."

- "The song 'Afternoon Delight' by Starland Vocal Band became a hit in the 1970s and is still remembered today."

- "I don't think it's appropriate to use the expression 'afternoon delight' in a professional setting. It could be misinterpreted or offensive."

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many ways to say "afternoon" in English, depending on the region, the context, and the speaker's preference. From the basic expressions of "afternoon", "PM", and "noon", to the regional expressions of "arvo", "afternoon tea", and "siesta", to the idiomatic expressions of "half past", "late afternoon", and "afternoon delight", each expression has its own nuances and connotations that reflect the diversity and richness of the English language. By mastering these expressions, you can enhance your communication skills and better understand the cultural and social contexts in which they are used.