Meaning
It is raining very hard.
Cultural Background
Rain is often welcomed by 'houbaři' (mushroom hunters). After it 'lije jako z konve', the forests fill with people looking for porcini. The 'konev' is still a staple in every 'zahrádka' (little garden). It's a symbol of hard work and self-sufficiency. St. Medard (June 8th) is the patron of rain. If it rains on his day, it will 'lít jako z konve' for 40 days. In cities like Prague or Brno, this phrase is used to complain about public transport delays caused by storms.
Use 'Leje' for extra points
Using 'Leje' instead of 'Lije' makes you sound much more like a local in casual settings.
Don't use for snow
Even if it's a blizzard, never use 'lít'. Use 'sypat' or 'padat'.
Meaning
It is raining very hard.
Use 'Leje' for extra points
Using 'Leje' instead of 'Lije' makes you sound much more like a local in casual settings.
Don't use for snow
Even if it's a blizzard, never use 'lít'. Use 'sypat' or 'padat'.
Add 'Teda'
Start the sentence with 'Teda' (Wow/Geez) to sound more expressive: 'Teda, to lije!'
The Pub Test
If you are in a pub and it starts raining, saying this will almost always get a nod of agreement from the table next to you.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Venku strašně ____ jako z konve.
The idiom specifically uses the verb 'lije' (it pours).
Which of these means 'It rained very hard yesterday'?
Select the correct past tense form:
Weather expressions use the neuter singular past tense 'lilo'.
Match the weather to the correct phrase.
It is a light drizzle, barely wet.
'Lije jako z konve' is only for heavy rain.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Nechceš jít na procházku? B: Teď ne, podívej se z okna, ____.
This is the most natural response to declining a walk due to bad weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Lije vs. Leje
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVenku strašně ____ jako z konve.
The idiom specifically uses the verb 'lije' (it pours).
Select the correct past tense form:
Weather expressions use the neuter singular past tense 'lilo'.
It is a light drizzle, barely wet.
'Lije jako z konve' is only for heavy rain.
A: Nechceš jít na procházku? B: Teď ne, podívej se z okna, ____.
This is the most natural response to declining a walk due to bad weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct. 'Lije' is formal/standard, 'leje' is informal/common.
It's understandable but not idiomatic. Stick to 'lije'.
It's a large watering can used in gardens.
Yes, it is neutral and safe for all audiences.
This is the closest equivalent, though 'Padají trakaře' is also used.
Yes! If water is pouring from a hole in the ceiling, it's a perfect metaphor.
Lilo jako z konve.
You can just say 'To lije!' (It's pouring!)
Yes, it's a timeless idiom used by all generations.
Yes, Slovaks say 'Leje ako z krhly' (krhla = watering can).
Related Phrases
Padají trakaře
synonymIt's raining wheelbarrows
Mží
contrastIt's drizzling
Liják
builds onA downpour
Průtrž mračen
specialized formCloudburst
Zmoknout jako slepice
similarTo get wet like a chicken
