Bonjour! In this guide, we will explore different ways to express “It rained” in French. Weather-related conversations are a common topic, so it’s essential to know how to describe rainfall in both formal and informal contexts. We will cover regional variations if necessary, but our primary focus will be on the standard French language spoken in France. So, let’s dive in and discover the various expressions for “It rained” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When speaking formally or in professional settings, it’s essential to use the appropriate level of language. Here are a few formal expressions for saying “It rained” in French:
- Il a plu : This is the most straightforward and commonly used way to say “It rained” in formal French. The subject “il” (meaning “it”) is used in a more general sense, referring to the weather.
- Nous avons eu de la pluie : This expression means “We had rain” and is slightly more formal. It conveys the idea of rain as an event experienced by a group or community rather than just “it rained.”
- Des averses ont arrosé la région : If you want to emphasize the occurrence of rain showers or a series of showers, this expression is suitable. It means “Showers watered the region” and maintains a formal tone.
Informal Expressions:
When speaking in a casual setting or with friends, you may want to use more colloquial expressions to say “It rained” in French. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Il a flotté : This expression is commonly used in informal speech to describe heavy or persistent rain. It can be translated as “It poured.”
- Il a plu des cordes : This idiomatic expression translates to “It rained ropes” and is used when the rain is very intense. It is an informal way to describe heavy rainfall.
- Il a tombé une averse : If you want to emphasize a sudden and short rain shower, this phrase suits best. It translates to “A shower fell” and is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Regional Variations:
French is spoken in various regions, and although the standard French language remains the same, some regional variations exist. Here are a couple of regional expressions for saying “It rained” in French:
Il a plu comme vache qui pisse : This informal expression, often used in the north of France, literally translated as “It rained like a pissing cow.” It denotes heavy rainfall in a slightly humorous way.
Il a bruiné : In some regions, particularly in Belgium and Switzerland, this expression is used to describe light, drizzly rain. It can be translated as “It drizzled.”
Tips and Examples:
Now that we’ve covered different expressions for saying “It rained” in French, here are some important tips and additional examples to enhance your understanding:
Tips:
- When discussing the weather, it’s common to use the impersonal subject “il” (meaning “it”) in French. For example, “Il pleut” means “It is raining.”
- In formal contexts, it’s recommended to use the verb “avoir” (to have) to indicate that rain occurred. This construction is similar to English where we say “We have rain.”
- Learning idiomatic expressions can add a natural and authentic feel to your spoken French. However, it’s essential to use them appropriately and understand their level of formality.
Examples:
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Il a plu toute la nuit, les rues sont mouillées. (It rained all night, and the streets are wet.)
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J’ai oublié mon parapluie aujourd’hui, et bien sûr, il a flotté ! (I forgot my umbrella today, and of course, it poured!)
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Nous avons eu de la pluie pendant notre excursion en montagne. (We had rain during our mountain excursion.)
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Il a tombé une averse, mais ça n’a pas duré longtemps. (A shower fell, but it didn’t last long.)
Remember, understanding how to express “It rained” in French allows you to engage in weather-related conversations and effortlessly connect with French speakers. Practice using these expressions in different situations and gain confidence in your ability to describe the weather! Joyeux apprentissage ! (Happy learning!)
