Il fait chaud
The English phrase 'the weather is hot' is expressed in French as Il fait chaud.
The phrase is used to describe the weather being hot.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Il fait chaud means 'It makes hot'. This is because the verb faire (to do/make) is used to describe weather conditions.
Which one should you use?
While Il fait chaud describes heat, the phrase Il fait frais is used to describe weather that is pleasantly cool or slightly chilly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say the weather is 'very' hot, you insert the adverb très between the verb and the adjective to form Il fait très chaud.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Il est chaud to describe the weather. This is a common error for English speakers. In French, Il est chaud would instead imply that a specific object or person is physically hot to the touch or sexually aroused.
Did you know?
- While Il fait chaud describes the air, French speakers use J'ai chaud to say 'I am hot'. Using the verb avoir means you 'have' the heat rather than 'being' hot.
- In French, describing a person as chaud can also mean they are 'up for it' or 'game' for an activity.
- In France, a heatwave is called la canicule. This specific word describes an oppressive, stifling heat that is much more intense than just chaud.
Examples in context
- Il fait chaud.The weather is hot.Tatoeba #3701108 by marina_sow, translation #1766693 by AlanF_US
- Bonjour Monsieur, il fait chaud aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas?Good morning, sir, the weather is hot today, isn't it?
- Il fait très chaudIt's very hot
- Il fait chaud aujourd'hui.It is hot today.
- Est-ce qu'il fait chaud dehors ?Is it hot outside?
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking while walking in a park.
- LéaIl fait chaud, n'est-ce pas ?It is hot, isn't it?
- NathanOui, il fait très chaud.Yes, it is very hot.
- LéaJe veux boire de l'eau fraîche.I want to drink some cold water.
- NathanMoi aussi, allons à la fontaine.Me too, let's go to the fountain.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
