llover a cántaros
informal
The best-known colorful way to talk about heavy rain in Spanish is llover a cántaros, literally "to rain by the jugful". A sudden downpour is un chaparrón. It is also called La lluvia.
Meaning: heavy rain, a downpour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| llover a cántaros | informal |
| Un chaparrón | everyday |
| La lluvia | standard |
Está lloviendo a cántaros means it is pouring. Cayó un chaparrón describes a short strong shower.
Which one should you use?
La lluvia is the neutral word for rain. Chaparrón stresses that the shower is strong and often brief, while a cántaros stresses how much water falls.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Both expressions are understood in Spain and Latin America.
Did you know?
- A cántaro is a large jug, so the phrase pictures water poured from jugs.
Examples in context
- Está lloviendo a cántaros, no salgas.It is pouring, do not go out.
- Nos cayó un chaparrón de camino a casa.We got a downpour on the way home.
- La lluvia empezó por la tarde.The rain started in the afternoon.
Example conversation
Javier and Clara look out of the window.
- JavierMira cómo llueve.Look how it is raining.
- ClaraEstá lloviendo a cántaros.It is pouring.
- JavierEntonces nos quedamos en casa.Then we stay at home.
