beau temps
The English phrase "nice weather" is translated into French as beau temps.
beau temps refers to pleasant atmospheric conditions, typically characterized by sunshine and a comfortable temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective beau (beautiful/fine) and the noun temps (weather/time).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the regional variant Y fait ben beau is used to mean "It's really nice."
How does it change in a sentence?
While beau temps is the specific noun phrase for "nice weather", when you want to describe the current state of the weather in a sentence, French speakers typically use the impersonal construction il fait beau.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say le temps est beau to mean "the weather is nice". Instead, it is much more natural to use the verb faire in the expression il fait beau.
Did you know?
- The word beau comes from the Latin bellus, which was a diminutive form used to express 'pretty' or 'charming' rather than just 'beautiful'.
- In France, discussing beau temps is a quintessential 'social lubricant' used to initiate polite conversation with strangers.
- French has a specific word, canicule, to describe the period of oppressive heat that can make beau temps feel unbearable during July and August.
Examples in context
- J'espère que ce beau temps va durer.I hope this nice weather will last.This sentence uses beau temps to express a hope about the weather lasting.Tatoeba #5931284 by Aiji, translation #5060407 by AlanF_US
- Le beau temps ajouta à notre plaisir.Nice weather added to our pleasure.This sentence shows how beau temps can contribute to a sense of pleasure.Tatoeba #479933 by sacredceltic, translation #30058 by CM
- À Pâques il fait rarement beau temps.It's rarely nice weather at Easter.This sentence describes the rarity of having beau temps during Easter.Tatoeba #1521596 by martin9, translation #1522152 by LittleBoy
- Bonjour Monsieur, il fait beau aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas?Good day, sir. It's beautiful weather today, isn't it?
- Salut les amis, quel temps splendide on a aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas?Hi friends, what splendid weather we have today, right?
- Eh, il fait super beau aujourd'hui ! On devrait profiter du soleil.Hey, it's super nice today! We should make the most of the sunshine.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are walking in a park.
- NathanQuel beau temps pour une promenade !What nice weather for a walk!
- ManonOui, c'est très agréable, Nathan.Yes, it is very pleasant, Nathan.
- NathanTu veux aller au bord de la rivière ?Do you want to go to the riverbank?
- ManonBonne idée, allons-y !Good idea, let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
