il tempo è
The English phrase "the weather is" is translated into Italian as il tempo è.
This phrase is used to describe current atmospheric conditions. Note that the word tempo can mean both "time" and "weather". You must rely on the surrounding context to know which one is being discussed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of il (the), tempo (time or weather) and è (is).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because tempo is a masculine singular noun, the definite article must be il and the verb must be the third-person singular è.
Did you know?
- While il tempo è describes the weather, Italians often use the phrase che tempo fa (what weather does it make) to ask about the forecast.
- The word tempo shares the same root as the English word 'time', and both originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stretch' or 'to string'.
Examples in context
- Il tempo è bello.The weather is beautiful.This sentence uses il tempo è to describe beautiful weather.Tatoeba #1817609 by Guybrush88, translation #871770 by CM
- Il tempo è buono.The weather is good.This sentence uses il tempo è to describe good weather.Tatoeba #11654683 by Nuel, translation #1766700 by CK
- Il tempo è brutto.The weather is bad.This sentence uses il tempo è to describe bad weather.Tatoeba #2701434 by Guybrush88, translation #2701432 by CM
- Il tempo è nuvolosoThe weather is cloudy
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their plans for a walk.
- FrancescoSecondo te, il tempo è adatto per una passeggiata?Do you think the weather is suitable for a walk?
- SofiaSì, il tempo è davvero piacevole oggi.Yes, the weather is really pleasant today.
- FrancescoAllora, andiamo subito al parco!Then, let's go to the park right away!
- SofiaOttima idea, Francesco.Great idea, Francesco.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries il, tempo, è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
