This is the 8835th most frequent Spanish word.
tarde
Afternoon; late.
The word 'tarde' in this context is used as an adverb, meaning 'late' to discuss punctuality.
Llego tarde a la reunión.
I am late to the meeting.
'Tarde' is functioning as a noun here, meaning 'afternoon,' to specify a time of day.
Por la tarde suelo pasear por el parque.
In the afternoon, I usually walk in the park.
Here, 'tarde' conveys the concept of lateness as an undesirable quality, illustrating urgency.