Fa brutto tempo
/ˈfa ˈbrut.to ˈtɛm.po/word by word
The English phrase "the weather is bad" is translated into Italian as Fa brutto tempo.
Fa brutto tempo is used to state that the current weather conditions are unpleasant. You can also use related terms to describe specific conditions, such as nuvoloso for cloudy, bagnato for wet, piovere to rain, nevicare to snow or tuonare to thunder.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb fare (to do/make), the adjective brutto (bad/ugly) and the noun tempo (weather/time). Literally, it translates to "It makes bad weather."
Which one should you use?
While Fa brutto tempo is the common idiomatic way to express this, you may also see the grammatically literal alternative Il tempo è brutto. Additionally, for more intense descriptions, you might use Fa un tempo orribile to say it is horrible weather.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfa ˈbrut.to ˈtɛm.po/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying È brutto tempo.
Did you know?
- The word tempo comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *temp-, which meant 'to stretch' or 'string'.
- If you describe a person as brutto, you are commenting on their physical appearance rather than their character.
- Using the adjective brutto for weather is far more common than using male, even though both can translate to 'bad'.
Examples in context
- Fa brutto tempo oggi.The weather is bad today.
- Non uscire, fa brutto tempo.Don't go out, the weather is bad.
- Guarda fuori, fa brutto tempo.Look outside, the weather is bad.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are looking out the window at a storm.
- AlessandroGuarda, fa brutto tempo.Look, the weather is bad.
- SofiaSì, è molto grigio.Yes, it is very grey.
- AlessandroNon possiamo andare al mare.We cannot go to the seaside.
- SofiaHai ragione, Alessandro.You are right, Alessandro.
