Meaning
Indicates that rain is falling.
Cultural Background
In Spain, rain is often associated with the north (Galicia, Asturias), where it is a constant part of life. In the south, rain is rare and celebrated, but can also cause chaos during festivals like Semana Santa. In Mexico City, summer afternoons almost always feature a 'tromba' (a very heavy, short rain). People carry umbrellas as a standard accessory from June to September. The word 'garúa' is a common term for drizzle, often used in Tango lyrics to evoke a sense of sadness or nostalgia in the streets of Buenos Aires. In the tropical regions, rain is called 'palo de agua'. It's so heavy that people usually just stop whatever they are doing and wait for it to end.
The 'It' Trap
Never try to translate the 'It' in 'It rains'. Spanish verbs contain the subject. Just say 'Llueve'.
Stem Change
Remember the 'o' to 'ue' change. It's 'llover' but 'llueve'. If you say 'llove', people will understand but it sounds wrong.
Meaning
Indicates that rain is falling.
The 'It' Trap
Never try to translate the 'It' in 'It rains'. Spanish verbs contain the subject. Just say 'Llueve'.
Stem Change
Remember the 'o' to 'ue' change. It's 'llover' but 'llueve'. If you say 'llove', people will understand but it sounds wrong.
Small Talk Gold
If you run out of things to say, just comment on the rain. It's the most natural way to keep a conversation going in Spanish.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'It is raining' in Spanish.
Hoy ________ mucho.
'Llueve' is the correct impersonal verb form. 'Hace' and 'es' are incorrect here.
Fill in the blank with the correct past tense form of 'llover'.
Ayer ________ durante toda la noche.
'Llovió' is the preterite (past) form for a completed action.
Match the phrase to the intensity of the rain.
1. Chispea, 2. Llueve, 3. Diluvia
'Chispear' is light, 'llueve' is normal, and 'diluvia' is heavy.
Complete the dialogue using the subjunctive form of 'llover'.
Ana: ¿Quieres ir al campo? Luis: No, tengo miedo de que ________.
The expression 'tengo miedo de que' triggers the subjunctive mood.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Rain Intensity
Light
- • chispea
- • llovizna
Heavy
- • diluvia
- • llueve a cántaros
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHoy ________ mucho.
'Llueve' is the correct impersonal verb form. 'Hace' and 'es' are incorrect here.
Ayer ________ durante toda la noche.
'Llovió' is the preterite (past) form for a completed action.
1. Chispea, 2. Llueve, 3. Diluvia
'Chispear' is light, 'llueve' is normal, and 'diluvia' is heavy.
Ana: ¿Quieres ir al campo? Luis: No, tengo miedo de que ________.
The expression 'tengo miedo de que' triggers the subjunctive mood.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! 'Está lloviendo' emphasizes that it is happening right this second, while 'llueve' can mean it's raining now or it rains generally.
Because it's a stem-changing verb. The 'o' changes to 'ue' when it's stressed.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Va a llover'.
Related Phrases
lluvia
similarrain (noun)
llovizna
specialized formdrizzle
diluvio
specialized formdeluge/flood
mojado
builds onwet
paraguas
similarumbrella
