What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where clima means "weather" or "climate" and inclemente means "inclement" or "merciless".
Which one should you use?
While clima inclemente is formal and literary, in everyday conversation, a native speaker is much more likely to use the common phrase mal tiempo to say "bad weather".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
clima inclemente is a formal expression most commonly found in news reports, official weather warnings or legal documents. Other formal options include Clima adverso, which conveys the idea of adverse weather conditions and Tiempo inclemente, which is a direct translation of the English phrase.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase tiempo adverso is used for inclement weather. In Argentina, tiempo revuelto is a common expression for inclement weather, which literally means "mixed weather".
Did you know?
- The Spanish word clima descends from the Ancient Greek word for 'slope' or 'inclination'. This refers to the ancient belief that the angle of the sun relative to the horizon determined the climate of a region.
- In Argentina, the phrase tiempo revuelto describes inclement weather using a word usually reserved for cooking or mixing liquids. It literally suggests that the atmosphere has been 'stirred up'.
- Because clima inclemente is so formal, using it in a casual setting with friends can be perceived as a joke or a sarcastic attempt to sound like a news anchor.
Examples in context
- Hoy tenemos mal tiempo en la ciudad.Today we have inclement weather in the city.
- Debido al clima adverso, se suspende el evento al aire libre.Due to adverse weather conditions, the outdoor event is canceled.
- Durante el invierno, es común experimentar tiempo inclemente.During winter, it is common to experience inclement weather.
- No salgas sin paraguas, el mal clima puede sorprenderte.Don't go out without an umbrella, the inclement weather can catch you off guard.
- Ayer tuvimos un temporal muy fuerte, afortunadamente ya ha pasado.Yesterday we had a very strong storm, luckily it has already passed.
- El evento se canceló debido al clima inclemente.The event was canceled due to inclement weather.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a planned hiking trip.
- JavierNo podemos ir a la montaña mañana.We cannot go to the mountain tomorrow.
- Sofía¿Por qué no, Javier?Why not, Javier?
- JavierEl reporte anuncia clima inclemente.The report announces inclement weather.
- SofíaTienes razón, Sofía prefiere quedarse en casa.You are right, Sofía prefers to stay home.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clima, inclemente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
