Learning how to express weather conditions in different languages is not only useful but also quite fascinating. If you are looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary to describe the weather, this guide will teach you how to say “snowing” in Spanish. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this weather phenomenon, along with helpful tips, examples, and even regional variations. So, let’s dive into the enchanting world of snowy weather in Spanish!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Snowing:
When referring to snowing in a formal context, such as business or professional settings, you can use the following expressions:
- Está nevando: This is the most straightforward and widely used expression. It means “It is snowing.” By using the third-person singular form of the verb “estar” (to be), we convey the present continuous tense.
- Hay nieve: This expression translates to “There is snow.” Although not as commonly used as “Está nevando,” it is still an acceptable formal option.
Here are a few examples of how to use these phrases:
Example 1: El pronóstico del tiempo indica que está nevando en las montañas. (The weather forecast indicates that it is snowing in the mountains.)
Example 2: Al oeste del país, hay nieve en las calles y aceras. (To the west of the country, there is snow on the streets and sidewalks.)
2. Informal Ways to Say Snowing:
When speaking in a more casual or informal setting, you can use the following expressions to talk about snowing in Spanish:
- Está nevando: Yes, this expression works in both formal and informal contexts. Spanish speakers often use the same phrase regardless of the situation.
- Está nevando a cántaros: This phrase indicates heavy snowfall and can be translated as “It’s snowing cats and dogs.” It adds a touch of flair to your conversation and conveys just how intense the snowfall is.
- Está nevando a lo grande: Similar to the previous phrase, this expression emphasizes heavy snowfall and can be translated as “It’s snowing big time.”
- Está nevando a mares: This phrase also indicates a significant amount of snow and can be translated as “It’s snowing in seas.”
Let’s see how these informal expressions can be used in sentences:
Example 1: ¡Mira afuera! Está nevando a cántaros y todo está cubierto de nieve. (Look outside! It’s snowing cats and dogs, and everything is covered in snow.)
Example 2: Ayer, en la ciudad, estaba nevando a lo grande. Los niños se divirtieron mucho construyendo muñecos de nieve. (Yesterday, in the city, it was snowing big time. The children had a lot of fun building snowmen.)
Example 3: ¡Increíble! Está nevando a mares. Las calles están casi intransitables. (Incredible! It’s snowing in seas. The streets are almost impassable.)
Tips and Considerations:
When discussing snowing in Spanish, here are a few additional tips and considerations to keep in mind:
- Regional variations: While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood in most Spanish-speaking countries, some regions may have their own unique expressions for snowing.
- Gender agreement: Remember to make the necessary adjustments to match the gender of the noun being modified. For example, if you’re describing “the snow” instead of using a general “it,” you would say “Está nevando” (masculine) or “Está nevando” (feminine) depending on the gender of the noun.
Regional Variations:
While the previously mentioned phrases are widely used in Spanish, it’s worth noting a few regional variations:
- Latin America: In some countries, particularly in Latin America, you may hear the expression “Está nevando a baldes” to mean “It’s snowing buckets.” This idiom serves the same purpose as “It’s snowing cats and dogs” and conveys heavy snowfall.
- Spain: In certain regions of Spain, “Está nevando” might be replaced with “Está cayendo nieve” (literal translation: “Snow is falling”). However, “Está nevando” is still widely understood throughout the country.
Conclusion
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to say “snowing” in Spanish. Remember, “Está nevando” is the most common expression used both formally and informally. Feel free to spice up your conversation with lively alternatives such as “Está nevando a cántaros” or “Está nevando a lo grande” to convey heavy snowfall. Keep in mind that expressions can vary across regions, so if you come across slightly different phrases, embrace the opportunity to learn even more about the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Enjoy the beauty of snowy weather and continue expanding your Spanish vocabulary!
