Iltapäivä

Iltapäivä is the Finnish word for afternoon. It generally refers to the period of the day between noon and evening. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on context and individual perception, but it typically spans from roughly 1 PM to 5 PM or 6 PM. This is a common time for social activities, work, and leisure in Finland.

In Finnish culture, iltapäivä might involve a late lunch or a coffee break, known as "iltapäiväkahvi," which is a common social ritual. Many Finns also engage in outdoor activities during the iltapäivä, taking advantage of daylight hours, especially during the warmer months. For children, it often marks the end of the school day and the beginning of playtime or homework.

The concept of iltapäivä is similar to the English word "afternoon" and the Swedish word "eftermiddag." It's a distinct part of the diurnal cycle, following "aamupäivä" (morning) and preceding "ilta" (evening). The transition from iltapäivä to ilta is often marked by changing light conditions and the winding down of daily activities before dinner.