Il fait mauvais
The English phrase "the weather is bad" is translated into French as Il fait mauvais.
Il fait mauvais is used to express that current outdoor conditions are unpleasant, such as when it is raining or cold.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "It makes bad" because French uses the verb faire (to do/make) to describe weather conditions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the expression Il fait un temps de chien. is used to say it is lousy weather.
How does it change in a sentence?
While Il fait mauvais is a complete sentence, it is also grammatically correct and common to add temps to create Il fait mauvais temps.
Did you know?
- French has several distinct idioms for 'bad weather' that vary by intensity, such as un temps pourri, which literally means 'rotten weather'.
- The word mauvais shares a root with the Latin word fātum, meaning 'fate'. This means the original sense of the word was not just 'bad' but specifically 'unfortunate'.
Examples in context
- Il fait mauvais temps.The weather is bad.Tatoeba #3256290 by Aiji, translation #2701432 by CM
- Il fait mauvais temps aujourd'hui.The weather is bad today.Tatoeba #3259383 by Aiji, translation #854411 by piksea
- Aujourd'hui, il fait mauvais, il pleut des cordes et il y a beaucoup de vent.Today, the weather is bad, it's raining cats and dogs, and it's very windy.
- Le temps est désagréable, gris et pluvieux.The weather is unpleasant, gray, and rainy.
- Il fait mauvais ce matin.The weather is bad this morning.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are looking out the window.
- GabrielRegarde dehors, il fait mauvais.Look outside, the weather is bad.
- EmmaOui, il pleut beaucoup.Yes, it is raining a lot.
- GabrielOn reste à la maison alors ?Shall we stay home then?
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée, Gabriel.That is a good idea, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fait, il, mauvais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
