A la tarda, vull caminar al parc.

In the afternoon, I want to walk in the park.

Breakdown of A la tarda, vull caminar al parc.

• voler: to want
• a: in
• el parc: the park
• caminar: to walk

Questions & Answers about A la tarda, vull caminar al parc.

What does a la tarda mean here, and why is there an a at the beginning?

A la tarda is a common time expression meaning in the afternoon.

The a is part of the fixed expression. In Catalan, many time expressions use a where English would use in, at, or sometimes no preposition at all.

For example:

• al matí = in the morning
• a la tarda = in the afternoon
• al vespre = in the evening

So you should learn a la tarda as a set phrase.

Does a la tarda mean this afternoon or in the afternoon in general?

By itself, a la tarda usually means in the afternoon and can be understood from context as either:

• a general time of day, or
• this afternoon / later in the afternoon

Catalan often relies on context instead of adding extra words. If the situation is clear, a la tarda can easily refer to this afternoon.

Why is there a comma after A la tarda?

The comma is there because A la tarda is being used as an introductory time phrase.

It works like English sentences such as:

• In the afternoon, I want to walk to the park.

The comma is helpful and natural in writing, but in short sentences like this, punctuation can sometimes vary. The sentence would still be understandable without it.