Let's say it's 5:00 PM. Upon approching someone, is it proper to say"good evening", or "good afternoon"?

Answer 1

good Evening

after 12p is Good Afternoon

Answer 2

It's Good Evening after 6:00 PM

Answer 3

Afternoon is the time of day after 12:00 (noon), and follows morning each day. It nevertheless comes before evening, and its use is often quite subjective.

Informally, the evening is the period in which the daylight is decreasing, between the late afternoon and night; it extends from the latter portion of the daylight (before sunset) until dark (after sunset). Typically between 6 and 9 pm.

Answer 4

If its after 6 pm I say good evening

Answer 5

Say yo, whatt it be. I think afternoon goes till 6 pm. but many down here in VA. say evening after 3 or 4..

Answer 6

If, where you are, its quite sunny and lot of daylight, you can say "Good afternoon". However, if dusk is approaching or the sun has gone down the horizon, you should say "Good evening"

To avoid such controversies, its best to stick with "Good Day" for official greetings and "Hello / Hi" for informal ones

Answer 7

I would say good evening, as your statement is meant to wish them a good evening or afternoon and the afternoon is almost over.

Answer 8

I would go with "good evening," as it's closer to evening at 5pm anyhow. I don't know if there's an official cutoff time on afternoon and evening, but my gut instinct is that 4pm is still afternoon, but 5pm is encroaching on evening.

Answer 9

Well, this is what I think...

If it is still daylight outside I would say "Good Afternoon"

If it is dark, then I would say "Good Evening"

For me, it would depend upon whether or not it was Eastern Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time.

(It is starting to get darker here.. Fall is coming.)

Answer 10

good afternoon. i think it is evening after 6 pm as well.