If a colleague says, “Let’s meet in the afternoon,” what time do you assume?

For some, “afternoon” means anytime between 12 PM and 6 PM. Others might interpret it as 1 PM to 3 PM. And in some cultures, the afternoon stretches as late as 5 or even 7 PM.

Time perceptions are shaped by culture, language, and even local customs. In Spain, for example, “afternoon” could extend well into the evening because dinner is much later. In other countries, the afternoon is strictly before 5 PM.

These differences can lead to misunderstandings, especially when scheduling across time zones. A vague phrase like “late morning” or “early evening” can mean different things to different people.

To avoid confusion:

✔️ Use specific times: “Let’s meet at 3 PM.”
✔️ Consider time zones: “3 PM UK time, 10 AM EST.”
✔️ If using general timeframes, clarify: “Afternoon, meaning between 2 and 4 PM.”

Have you ever run into scheduling confusion because of different interpretations of time? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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