il fait beau
The English phrase "weather is nice" is translated into French as il fait beau.
This phrase is used to say that the current weather is pleasant, typically meaning it is sunny and clear.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, il fait beau means "it makes beautiful". The word il is an impersonal pronoun, and fait is the third-person singular of faire (to make/do).
Which one should you use?
While il fait beau implies sunny and bright weather, il fait bon is used to describe weather that is pleasantly warm or mild without necessarily being sunny.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the expression Il fait beau temps. means "The weather is good.". In the southern parts of France, the expression On a un temps à la cagne aujourd'hui. means "We have great weather today!"
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the opposite (the weather is bad), replace the adjective beau with mauvais to say il fait mauvais.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Quel temps magnifique! On devrait profiter de cette journée ensoleillée.What magnificent weather! We should enjoy this sunny day.
- La météo est favorable pour notre événement en plein air demain.The weather is favorable for our outdoor event tomorrow.
- Effectivement, il fait beau aujourd'hui et cela semble prometteur pour demain également.Indeed, it is nice today and it seems promising for tomorrow as well.
- Regarde, il fait beau aujourd'hui !Look, the weather is nice today!
- Regarde, il fait beau aujourd'hui.Look, the weather is nice today.
- Enfin ! Il fait beau maintenant.Finally! The weather is nice now.
- Est-ce qu'il fait beau en ce moment ?Is the weather nice at the moment?
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking out the window.
- ManonIl fait beau dehors, Nathan.The weather is nice outside, Nathan.
- NathanOui, c'est vrai.Yes, it's true.
- ManonOn va au parc ?Shall we go to the park?
- NathanC'est une excellente idée.That is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, fait, il, CC BY-SA 4.0.
