pluie fine
The English phrase "light rain" is pluie fine in French.
pluie fine is used to describe rain that falls in small, thin drops.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun pluie (rain) and the adjective fine (fine/thin).
Which one should you use?
While pluie fine describes light, thin drops, pluie forte is used to describe heavy or intense rain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brittany and Normandy, the informal term crachin is used to refer to a very light, misty rain or a persistent, very fine drizzle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fine follows the noun pluie and agrees with it in gender (feminine singular), as seen in the phrase une pluie fine.
Did you know?
- While pluie fine is a neutral description, the word crachin comes from the verb cracher, which means 'to spit'. It paints a picture of the sky spitting tiny drops of water at the observer.
- In France, the phrase il pleut des cordes is used for heavy rain, meaning 'it is raining ropes'. This contrasts with pluie fine, which describes the opposite extreme of thin, thread-like drops.
- In the regions of Brittany and Normandy, crachin is seen as a defining cultural characteristic that creates their famous lush green landscapes.
Examples in context
- Il y aura des périodes de pluie légère cet après-midi.There will be periods of light rain this afternoon.
- Préparez votre parapluie, de la bruine est prévue demain matin.Get your umbrella ready, drizzle is expected tomorrow morning.
- Le crachin breton peut parfois durer des heures sans s'intensifier.The Breton drizzle can sometimes last for hours without getting heavier.
- Lors des matinées automnales, il n'est pas rare d'observer une petite crachouille sur les collines provençales.During autumn mornings, it is not uncommon to witness a light drizzle on the Provençal hills.
- Il tombe une pluie fine sur la ville.A light rain is falling on the city.
- Il y a une pluie fine ce matin.There is a light rain this morning.
- Je n'ai pas besoin de parapluie pour cette pluie fine.I don't need an umbrella for this light rain.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are deciding whether to go for a walk.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il pleut fort dehors ?Is it raining hard outside?
- ManonNon, c'est juste une pluie fine.No, it is just a light rain.
- GabrielOn peut quand même se promener ?Can we still go for a walk?
- ManonOui, avec un manteau, c'est parfait.Yes, with a coat, it is perfect.
