Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express the phrase “it is raining” in Italian. Whether you are looking to have a formal conversation or a casual chat with a local, we will provide you with useful tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. From the snow-capped Alps in the north to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline, Italy boasts a rich cultural tapestry that includes diverse linguistic traditions.
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Formal Ways to Say “It is Raining”
When engaging in formal conversations, such as addressing business associates, strangers, elders, or using the language in academic settings, it is important to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Here are some ways you can express “it is raining” formally in Italian:
1. “Piove”
The simplest and most common way to say “it is raining” in formal Italian is “piove.” This verb is in the present tense, third-person singular form, and can be used in both singular and plural situations. For instance:
Example 1: Oggi piove. (Today it is raining.)
Example 2: Non posso uscire, piove a catinelle. (I can’t go out, it is pouring.)
2. “Sta piovendo”
A more explicit and formal way to express “it is raining” is by using the phrase “sta piovendo.” This construction implies continuity or ongoing rain. Take a look at the examples:
Example 1: Domani ci sarà una pioggia intensa, sta piovendo da tutta la mattina. (Tomorrow there will be heavy rain, it has been raining all morning.)
Example 2: Si prega di prestare attenzione, sta piovendo e il pavimento è scivoloso. (Please be careful, it is raining and the floor is slippery.)
Informal Ways to Say “It is Raining”
When engaging in casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, Italians tend to adopt a more relaxed approach to language. Here are some informal ways to express “it is raining” in Italian:
1. “Piove a dirotto”
An informal way to say “it is raining” in Italian is by using the phrase “piove a dirotto.” This colloquial expression, which translates to “it is pouring,” emphasizes heavy rainfall:
Example 1: Che tempo orribile! Piove a dirotto! (What awful weather! It is pouring!)
Example 2: Non ho portato l’ombrello, sto bagnandomi, piove a dirotto. (I didn’t bring an umbrella, I’m getting wet, it is pouring.)
2. “Sta cadendo acqua a catinelle”
In informal conversations, you can also use the expression “sta cadendo acqua a catinelle,” which translates to “water is falling in buckets.” This vivid phrase captures the intensity of a heavy downpour:
Example 1: La festa sarà all’interno oggi, sta cadendo acqua a catinelle. (The party will be indoors today, it is raining buckets.)
Example 2: Andiamo al bar, fa brutto tempo, sta cadendo acqua a catinelle. (Let’s go to the bar, the weather is bad, it is raining buckets.)
Regional Variations
While Italian is the official language of Italy, regional variations and dialects thrive across the country. Here, we showcase some common regional ways to express “it is raining” in different parts of Italy:
1. Northern Italy
In the northern regions, such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto, people often use the phrase “piove che Dio la mandi a dormire.” This expression, meaning “it’s raining so much that God sends it to sleep,” emphasizes heavy rainfall:
Example 1: Guarda fuori, piove che Dio la mandi a dormire. (Look outside, it’s pouring.)
Example 2: Piove che Dio la mandi a dormire, meglio restare a casa oggi. (It’s pouring, better stay home today.)
2. Central Italy
In central regions, including Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche, a common way to say “it is raining” is “piove a catinelle.” This phrase, similar to the informal expression mentioned earlier, also denotes heavy rainfall:
Example 1: Oggi non possiamo andare in montagna, piove a catinelle. (Today we can’t go to the mountains, it’s pouring.)
Example 2: Piove a catinelle, dobbiamo prendere l’ombrello. (It’s pouring, we need to take an umbrella.)
3. Southern Italy
In the southernmost regions, such as Campania, Sicily, and Calabria, locals often use the phrase “sta arrivenne ‘a pioggia.” This expression, literally meaning “the rain is arriving,” has its roots in the local dialect:
Example 1: Sta arrivenne ‘a pioggia, meglio rimanere a casa. (The rain is arriving, better stay home.)
Example 2: Guarda fuori, sta arrivenne ‘a pioggia, portati l’ombrello. (Look outside, the rain is arriving, bring an umbrella with you.)
Remember, regional variations aren’t always widely recognized across Italy. It’s always best to stick to the more universally understood phrases mentioned earlier in formal and informal settings.
In Summary
In this guide, we have shared various ways to express “it is raining” in Italian. For formal conversations, you can use “piove” or “sta piovendo.” In informal settings, “piove a dirotto” and “sta cadendo acqua a catinelle” are common choices. Additionally, we explored some regional variations, such as “piove che Dio la mandi a dormire,” “piove a catinelle,” and “sta arrivenne ‘a pioggia.”
Whether you find yourself navigating the beautiful streets of Rome, floating along the gondola-filled canals of Venice, or trekking through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Tuscany, our guide equips you with the knowledge to express the current weather conditions with confidence. So, go ahead, immerse yourself in Italian culture and effortlessly converse about the rain!
