Meaning
Used to describe snowy weather.
Cultural Background
In Paris, even a light dusting of snow is a major event. People flock to Montmartre to see the Sacré-Cœur covered in white, but the metro often becomes very crowded. Snow is a fundamental part of Quebecois identity. There are dozens of specific terms for snow, and 'le déneigement' (snow removal) is a massive municipal operation. Snow is synonymous with the luxury ski industry and traditional mountain life. 'Il neige' is the best news a chalet owner can hear. In the Belgian Ardennes, snow is common in winter, providing a beautiful backdrop for the Christmas markets.
The 'Il' Rule
Always use 'Il' for weather. It's the most important rule for A1 learners.
No 'is'
Don't say 'Il est neige'. The verb 'neige' already includes the 'is' part of 'is snowing'.
Meaning
Used to describe snowy weather.
The 'Il' Rule
Always use 'Il' for weather. It's the most important rule for A1 learners.
No 'is'
Don't say 'Il est neige'. The verb 'neige' already includes the 'is' part of 'is snowing'.
Sound Natural
Add 'enfin' (finally) if you've been waiting for snow: 'Enfin, il neige !'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'neiger' in the present tense.
Regarde par la fenêtre ! Il ______.
The verb 'neiger' is only used in the 3rd person singular with 'il'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'It snowed yesterday'?
'Neiger' uses the auxiliary 'avoir' in the passé composé.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are planning a ski trip and want to know the weather.
This asks about future snow, which is relevant for planning.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Pourquoi tu ne sors pas ? B: Parce qu'______ et il fait froid.
The context of 'not going out' and 'cold' fits 'il neige'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Winter Vocabulary
Weather
- • Il neige
- • Il fait froid
- • Le gel
Activities
- • Skier
- • Faire de la luge
- • Pelleter
Practice Bank
4 exercisesRegarde par la fenêtre ! Il ______.
The verb 'neiger' is only used in the 3rd person singular with 'il'.
How do you say 'It snowed yesterday'?
'Neiger' uses the auxiliary 'avoir' in the passé composé.
You are planning a ski trip and want to know the weather.
This asks about future snow, which is relevant for planning.
A: Pourquoi tu ne sors pas ? B: Parce qu'______ et il fait froid.
The context of 'not going out' and 'cold' fits 'il neige'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that's redundant. Just say 'Il neige' or 'La neige tombe'.
Use 'Il commence à neiger'.
Rarely. It's almost exclusively for weather.
The most common is 'Il a neigé' (It snowed).
Yes, in countries with mountains like Morocco or Algeria where it snows in winter.
Say 'Il neige fort' or 'Il neige beaucoup'.
Both! 'La neige' is the noun (the snow), and 'neige' is the conjugated verb.
Yes, metaphorically, like 'It's raining gifts'.
'Floconner' is more poetic and refers to very light snow.
Say 'Il s'arrête de neiger' or 'La neige s'arrête'.
Related Phrases
Il fait froid
similarIt is cold
Un bonhomme de neige
builds onA snowman
Une boule de neige
builds onA snowball
Il pleut
contrastIt is raining
La neige fond
specialized formThe snow is melting
