il fait du soleil
The English phrase "the weather is sunny" is translated into French as il fait du soleil.
This phrase is used to describe a day when the sun is shining.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you might commonly hear On a un beau soleil to mean "It's sunny".
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate 'the weather is…' literally as le temps est ensoleillé, but in French, weather descriptions almost always use the impersonal il fait construction.
Did you know?
- The word fait in this phrase shares a common Latin root with the English word 'factory', as both derive from the Latin 'factum' meaning 'something done'.
- The word soleil is actually a diminutive form of the Latin word for 'sun', so when you say it is sunny, you are literally saying it 'makes little sun'.
- While il fait du soleil describes the sun, French speakers often use the phrase il fait beau to say the weather is sunny and pleasant, even if the sun is partially hidden by clouds.
Examples in context
- Salut, il y a du soleil, on devrait en profiter.Hey, there is sunshine, we should make the most of it.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking out the window.
- HugoRegarde Emma, il fait du soleil !Look Emma, the weather is sunny!
- EmmaC'est super, on peut sortir.That's great, we can go out.
- HugoOn va au parc, Hugo ?Shall we go to the park, Hugo?
- EmmaOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, fait, il, soleil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
