il fait 15 degrés
The English phrase "the temperature is 15 degrees" is translated into French as il fait 15 degrés.
This phrase is used to make a statement describing the current outdoor temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
The component il fait literally translates to "it makes" when used in the context of describing weather or temperature.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the impersonal pronoun il is used with the verb faire to state the temperature, rather than using the verb être (to be).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use la température est… instead of the more natural il fait… when stating the temperature.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says il fait un froid de canard, they are saying it is extremely cold. This colorful idiom literally translates to 'it is a duck's cold'.
- While il fait is used for weather, French uses j'ai froid ('I have cold') to say 'I am cold'. This means you describe the weather as something the day 'makes' but your own temperature as something you 'possess'.
- If you are measuring the temperature of a liquid instead of the weather, the verb faire is replaced by être to say la température est de 15 degrés.
Examples in context
- La température est de quinze degrés Celsius.The temperature is 15 degrees Celsius.
- Il fait quinze degrés aujourd'hui!It is 15 degrees today!
- On est à quinze degrés.We are at 15 degrees.
- Il fait 15 degrés dehors.It is 15 degrees outside.
- Regarde le thermomètre, il fait 15 degrés.Look at the thermometer, it is 15 degrees.
- Il fait 15 degrés ce matin.It is 15 degrees this morning.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are getting ready to go for a walk.
- LucasEst-ce qu'il fait froid ?Is it cold?
- LéaNon, il fait 15 degrés.No, it is 15 degrees.
- LucasC'est parfait pour une promenade.That is perfect for a walk.
- LéaOui, prenons une veste légère.Yes, let's take a light jacket.
