le temps est nuageux
The English phrase "the weather is cloudy" is translated into French as le temps est nuageux.
This phrase is used to describe a sky that is covered with clouds.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of le temps (the weather/time), est (is) and nuageux (cloudy).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because le temps is a masculine noun, the adjective nuageux must remain in its masculine form.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use le temps est nuageuse. Because le temps is masculine, the adjective cannot be changed to the feminine form nuageuse.
Did you know?
- If you are feeling incredibly happy, you might say you are sur un petit nuage. This translates to being 'on a little cloud', a common way to describe a state of bliss.
- French has no single word that captures the English 'weather' when used as a general atmospheric condition, often relying on le temps which literally means 'the time'.
- The spelling of est is a survivor of its Latin ancestor est, whereas many other common French words evolved to drop their final consonants.
Examples in context
- Le temps est nuageux aujourd'hui.The weather is cloudy today.
- On ne peut pas voir le soleil car le temps est nuageux.We cannot see the sun because the weather is cloudy.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking out the window.
- ChloéRegarde, le temps est nuageux.Look, the weather is cloudy.
- NathanTu crois qu'il va pleuvoir ?Do you think it's going to rain?
- ChloéC'est possible, Nathan.It's possible, Nathan.
- NathanJe vais prendre mon parapluie.I'll take my umbrella.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, le, nuageux, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
