When is morning actually morning? What time does the afternoon begin? And can you say “Good night” when you meet someone? 🕒
If you’ve ever been confused by English time expressions, you’re not alone. Many ESL students struggle with using morning, afternoon, evening, and night correctly. In this post, we’ll break down each term with real-life examples and tips to sound more natural when speaking English.
⏰ What Time is “Morning” in English?
Morning usually means the time from sunrise to 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Common phrases:
- Good morning! (used until about 11:59 a.m.)
- I usually drink coffee in the morning.
- My morning routine includes a short workout.
✅ Pro tip: You can say “in the morning” when talking about routines or events:
I go jogging in the morning.
🌤️ When Does “Afternoon” Start?
Afternoon is the time from 12:00 p.m. to around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.—before it starts getting dark.
Common phrases:
- Good afternoon! (used between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.)
- Let’s meet in the afternoon.
- I take a break every afternoon around 3.
✅ Pro tip: Don’t say “at the afternoon.” Use “in the afternoon”:
I have an online English lesson in the afternoon. 😊
🌇 What Counts as “Evening”?
Evening usually begins around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. and ends around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.
Common phrases:
- Good evening! (used as a greeting after 6 p.m.)
- I like to read in the evening.
- Are you free this evening?
✅ Pro tip: “Good evening” is a greeting, not a goodbye. Don’t confuse it with “Good night.”
🌙 What About “Night” and “Good Night”?
Night generally means after 9 or 10 p.m., when it’s dark and you’re winding down for bed.
Common phrases:
- I go to bed at night.
- It’s dangerous to walk alone at night.
- Good night! (This is used when saying goodbye before bed.)
❌ Be careful: Never say “Good night!” when meeting someone. Use “Good evening!” instead.
Bonus: How to Talk About Specific Times
Here’s how native speakers talk about times of the day:
- In the morning: I get up at 7 a.m.
- In the afternoon: I have a meeting at 3:30 p.m.
- In the evening: We usually eat dinner around 7 p.m.
- At night: I study until 11 p.m.
💬 Want to Practice This With a Real Teacher?
Understanding time expressions is one thing—but using them naturally in conversation is another.
🎯 At MK’s English, I offer fun, effective, and personalized online lessons that help you:
- Speak more naturally
- Understand real-life English
- Build confidence for work, travel, or exams
You don’t have to study alone. Whether you’re a beginner or upper-intermediate, I’ll guide you every step of the way—with clear explanations, real practice, and 30+ years of experience.
👉 Book your first lesson today and start speaking English the right way—from morning to night!
📲 Ready to Get Started?
Visit MK’s English or message me directly on my contact page to schedule your FREE trial lesson. Let’s make English fun and practical—for your life, your goals, and your future. 🌟