Il fait
The English phrase "the weather is" is translated into French as Il fait.
The phrase Il fait is used with adjectives such as beau (beautiful), mauvais (bad), chaud (hot) or froid (cold) to describe the state of the weather.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Il fait translates to "It makes" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Il fait uses the impersonal pronoun Il, which does not refer to a specific person or object but functions like the "it" in "it is raining".
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Le temps est to say "the weather is", but in French, Il fait is the standard idiomatic way to describe weather conditions.
Did you know?
- If you want to say the weather is 'mild', you use Il fait doux, which is the same word used to describe a 'soft' fabric or a 'sweet' personality.
- To describe a 'heatwave', French uses the noun canicule, a word that specifically evokes an oppressive and suffocating heat rather than just a warm day.
- To describe a 'fresh' or 'crisp' coolness, French uses Il fait frais, which is the same word used for 'fresh' vegetables.
Examples in context
- Il fait super beau.The weather is beautiful.This sentence is useful for saying the weather is beautiful using Il fait.Tatoeba #3095597 by Blabla, translation #871770 by CM
- Il fait très chaud.The weather is very hot.This sentence is useful for saying the weather is very hot using Il fait.Tatoeba #3642828 by sacredceltic, translation #1785461 by Eldad
- Il fait très mauvais.The weather is very bad.This sentence is useful for saying the weather is very bad using Il fait.Tatoeba #3642831 by sacredceltic, translation #2268650 by _undertoad
- Il fait beau aujourd'hui.It's nice weather today.
- Il fait super chaud!It's super hot!
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking by the window while looking outside.
- HugoRegarde, il fait un temps magnifique !Look, the weather is magnificent!
- ManonOui, il fait vraiment très bon.Yes, the weather is really very good.
- HugoOn devrait aller se promener, Manon.We should go for a walk, Manon.
- ManonBonne idée, Hugo, allons-y !Good idea, Hugo, let's go!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
