When it comes to describing bad weather in Spanish, there are various phrases and expressions you can use to convey your thoughts. Whether you need to discuss the weather politely or use more informal language with friends, this guide will provide you with an extensive list of phrases, tips, and examples to help you navigate conversations about bad weather in Spanish.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Formal expressions are typically used in professional settings or when talking to someone you have a formal relationship with. Here are some examples of how to discuss bad weather formally in Spanish.
1. Hace mal tiempo
This phrase, which translates to “It’s bad weather,” is a simple and common way to express unfavorable weather conditions in Spanish. It is versatile and can be used in various situations.
Example:
Hoy hace mal tiempo. Deberíamos llevar paraguas. (Today’s weather is bad. We should bring an umbrella.)
2. Está lloviendo mucho
If it’s raining heavily, this phrase can be used to convey that information. It means “It’s raining a lot” in English.
Example:
Está lloviendo mucho, así que no olvides tu impermeable. (It’s raining a lot, so don’t forget your raincoat.)
3. El clima está horrible
This expression translates to “The weather is horrible” and is a more intense way to describe very bad weather conditions.
Example:
No puedo salir hoy, el clima está horrible. (I can’t go out today, the weather is horrible.)
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual conversations. These phrases add a touch of familiarity and ease to your discussions about bad weather in Spanish.
1. Hace un tiempo de perros
This informal expression literally translates to “It’s a dog’s weather” and is used to describe very unpleasant weather conditions.
Example:
Hoy hace un tiempo de perros. No quiero salir de casa. (The weather is terrible today. I don’t want to leave the house.)
2. Está lloviendo a cántaros
This phrase means “It’s raining buckets” and is an informal way to express heavy rainfall.
Example:
Hoy está lloviendo a cántaros. Mejor no salgas sin un buen paraguas. (It’s raining buckets today. It’s better not to go out without a good umbrella.)
3. Hoy está para quedarse en casa
When the weather is simply terrible and you want to express that it’s a day to stay at home, this phrase will come in handy. It means “Today is a day to stay at home.”
Example:
¡Hoy está para quedarse en casa! No hay nada mejor que una buena taza de café caliente. (Today is a day to stay at home! There’s nothing better than a good cup of hot coffee.)
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
Weather expressions can differ slightly between various Spanish-speaking regions. Here are a few additional tips and variations you may encounter:
1. Use “hacer” to talk about general weather conditions
In Spanish, “hacer” (to make) is commonly used when discussing the weather. It is used to express the conditions that “the weather makes.” For example:
Example:
Hace mucho frío. (It’s very cold.)
Hace mucho calor. (It’s very hot.)
2. Use “estar” with specific weather conditions
While “hacer” is used for general weather conditions, “estar” (to be) is used for specific weather conditions. For instance:
Example:
Está nublado. (It’s cloudy.)
Está soleado. (It’s sunny.)
3. Regional variations
When discussing the weather, some phrases may differ slightly between Spanish-speaking countries or regions. For example, in some Latin American countries, you may hear “mal tiempo” being replaced with “mal clima” or “malas condiciones climáticas.” Similarly, “llueve mucho” (raining a lot) could be replaced with “está lloviendo copiosamente.”
In Conclusion
Now armed with an array of phrases and expressions to describe bad weather in Spanish, you can confidently engage in conversations about the weather, whether formally or casually. Remember to adapt your language depending on the context and the relationship with the person you are speaking to. Stay warm, stay dry, and enjoy discussing the weather in Spanish!
