French Weather Phrases: Essential Expressions

Updated on 2024-11-29

Basic Weather Conditions

Il fait + [condition] is the main structure for describing weather. Here's why and how to use it:

Sunny Weather

  1. "Il fait beau" (It's beautiful/nice out)
  • Most common way to say the weather is nice
  • Used for generally pleasant weather
  1. "Il fait du soleil" (It's sunny)
  • Direct way to mention sunshine
  • Often used to plan outdoor activities

Rainy Weather

  1. "Il pleut" (It's raining)
  • Note: Doesn't use "faire" structure
  • Simple present tense for current rain
  1. "Il va pleuvoir" (It's going to rain)
  • Used for imminent rain
  • Common in weather forecasts

Temperature Expressions

  1. "Il fait chaud" (It's hot)
  • Used when temperature feels warm
  • Often followed by temperature: "Il fait 30 degrés"
  1. "Il fait froid" (It's cold)
  • Describes cold weather
  • Can add "très" for "very cold": "Il fait très froid"

Practical Conversations

Asking About Weather

  1. "Quel temps fait-il?" (What's the weather like?)
  • Formal way to ask about weather
  1. "Il fait quel temps?" (What's the weather like?)
  • More casual version

Seasonal Comments

  1. "C'est typique pour la saison" (It's typical for the season)
  • Common small talk response
  1. "Il fait un temps d'été" (It's summer weather)
  • Describes weather typical of a season

Weather Small Talk

Opening Conversations

  1. "Belle journée, n'est-ce pas?" (Beautiful day, isn't it?)
  • Perfect conversation starter
  1. "Quel mauvais temps!" (What bad weather!)
  • Common way to commiserate about poor weather

Weather Complaints

  1. "Je n'en peux plus de ce temps" (I can't take this weather anymore)
  • Used during extreme weather
  1. "Le temps est changeant" (The weather is changeable)
  • Describes unpredictable weather

Important Note

French weather expressions often use "faire" (to make/do) instead of "être" (to be), unlike English constructions.

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