pleuvoir in 30 Seconds
- Pleuvoir means 'to rain'.
- It's an impersonal verb: always 'il pleut'.
- Used for weather forecasts and daily descriptions.
- Essential for basic French conversation.
Understanding "Pleuvoir"
The French verb pleuvoir is a fundamental word that describes one of the most common meteorological phenomena: rain. It literally means 'to rain' or 'it is raining'. This is an impersonal verb, meaning it is only used in the third-person singular form, 'il pleut'. You will hear and use this verb frequently when discussing the weather in French-speaking countries. It's a direct and simple way to communicate about precipitation. When you look out the window and see water falling from the sky, you say 'il pleut'. It's essential for everyday conversations about daily life, travel plans, and even just making small talk. The concept of rain is universal, and so is the verb 'pleuvoir' in its basic form. It's one of the first verbs learners encounter when starting with French weather vocabulary.
- Impersonal Verb
- 'Pleuvoir' is an impersonal verb, meaning it does not refer to a specific subject. In French, this translates to using 'il' (it) as a dummy subject, even though there is no actual person performing the action. So, instead of saying 'the sky rains', you say 'it rains'.
- Everyday Usage
- This verb is used in countless everyday situations. If you're planning a picnic and the forecast predicts rain, you'll hear 'il va pleuvoir'. If you're caught in a sudden downpour, you might exclaim 'il pleut beaucoup !' (it's raining a lot!). It's a core part of expressing weather conditions.
- Variations in Intensity
- While 'il pleut' is the standard, French speakers often add adverbs to describe the intensity of the rain. For example, 'il pleut des cordes' (it's raining ropes, meaning it's pouring) or 'il pleut légèrement' (it's raining lightly). Understanding these variations adds nuance to your comprehension and expression.
Quand il pleut, nous restons à la maison.
The verb 'pleuvoir' is essential for basic communication about the weather. It's encountered from the very beginning of French language learning due to its high frequency and fundamental nature. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate learner, mastering 'il pleut' and its common expressions will significantly enhance your ability to discuss daily life and current conditions in French. It's a building block for more complex weather-related discussions, allowing you to express simple observations and participate in basic conversations about the environment. The simplicity of its conjugation (always 'il pleut') makes it accessible, yet its usage is pervasive, making it a word you will use constantly. Think of it as the French equivalent of 'it rains' – indispensable and straightforward.
Constructing Sentences with "Pleuvoir"
As an impersonal verb, 'pleuvoir' has a very specific grammatical structure in French sentences. The subject is always 'il', and the verb is always conjugated in the third-person singular present tense: 'il pleut'. This consistency makes it easier to learn and use. However, the true versatility comes from adding adverbs, prepositions, and context to describe the rain's intensity, duration, or the activities associated with it.
- Basic Structure
- The most basic and common form is simply 'Il pleut.' This translates directly to 'It is raining.' It's a complete sentence that can be used on its own to describe the current weather.
- Adding Intensity
- To specify how hard it's raining, you can add adverbs. For example: 'Il pleut beaucoup' (It's raining a lot), 'Il pleut légèrement' (It's raining lightly), 'Il pleut fort' (It's raining hard). These adverbs modify the verb to give a clearer picture of the precipitation.
- Indicating Future Rain
- To talk about rain in the future, you use the near future tense ('aller' + infinitive). So, 'Il va pleuvoir' means 'It is going to rain.' This is very common when discussing weather forecasts or making plans.
- Describing Past Rain
- For past rain, you use the passé composé: 'Il a plu' (It rained). You can also use the imperfect tense 'Il pleuvait' (It was raining) to describe ongoing or habitual rain in the past.
- Idiomatic Expressions
- French has colorful idioms related to rain. 'Il pleut des cordes' is a classic, meaning it's raining very heavily. 'Il pleut des hallebardes' is another, suggesting very strong, sharp rain.
Il pleut des cordes aujourd'hui, alors nous ne pouvons pas aller à la plage.
When constructing sentences, remember that 'pleuvoir' is always impersonal. You don't conjugate it with specific subjects like 'je', 'tu', 'nous', or 'vous'. Instead, you use 'il' and the appropriate tense. This grammatical quirk is crucial for accurate usage. Practice combining 'il pleut' with different adverbs and time expressions to describe various weather scenarios. For example, 'Il pleuvait toute la nuit' (It was raining all night) or 'Demain, il pleuvra peut-être' (Tomorrow, it will perhaps rain). By understanding these patterns, you can effectively communicate about rain in all its forms.
Real-World Encounters with "Pleuvoir"
You will encounter the verb 'pleuvoir' in virtually every aspect of daily life and media in French-speaking environments. Its omnipresence stems from the fact that weather is a universal topic of conversation. From casual chats with friends to formal news reports, 'pleuvoir' is a constant presence. Its basic form, 'il pleut', is one of the most frequently used phrases when discussing the climate or current conditions.
- Everyday Conversations
- Imagine you're in Paris and you meet someone. A common opening remark might be about the weather. They could say, 'Quel temps ! Il pleut encore.' (What weather! It's raining again.) Or, if you're planning an outdoor activity, someone might ask, 'Est-ce qu'il va pleuvoir demain ?' (Is it going to rain tomorrow?).
- Weather Forecasts
- News channels, radio stations, and weather apps are filled with this verb. You'll hear phrases like: 'Les prévisions annoncent qu'il pleuvra toute la journée dans le nord.' (The forecasts announce that it will rain all day in the north.) or 'Hier, il a beaucoup plu.' (Yesterday, it rained a lot.)
- Literature and Media
- In books, movies, and songs, 'pleuvoir' sets the mood or describes the environment. A dramatic scene might start with 'Il pleuvait à verse, transformant les rues en rivières.' (It was pouring, turning the streets into rivers.) It’s a descriptive tool used by writers and directors.
- Travel and Tourism
- When traveling, understanding local weather is key. If you're in Quebec during spring, you might hear people say, 'Il pleut souvent à cette période de l'année.' (It often rains during this time of year.) This helps you pack appropriately and plan your activities.
Il pleut des gouttes froides sur la ville endormie.
The verb 'pleuvoir' is so ingrained in the French language that you'll hear it without even trying. Listening to French music, watching French films, or even just browsing French websites will expose you to its usage. The simple phrase 'il pleut' is a gateway to understanding a vast amount of conversational French related to the environment and daily life. Its frequency makes it a high-priority word for any learner aiming for fluency. Don't underestimate the power of simple weather talk; it's a fundamental part of human interaction.
Avoiding Pitfalls with "Pleuvoir"
While 'pleuvoir' is a straightforward verb in terms of its core meaning, learners can sometimes make mistakes, often due to direct translation from their native language or by forgetting its impersonal nature. Understanding these common errors will help you use the verb correctly and sound more natural.
- Using Personal Pronouns
- The most frequent mistake is trying to conjugate 'pleuvoir' with personal pronouns like 'je', 'tu', 'nous', or 'vous'. For instance, saying 'Je pleut' (I rain) or 'Nous pleuvons' (We rain) is grammatically incorrect. Remember, 'pleuvoir' is impersonal and always uses 'il'.
- Conjugation Errors
- Even when using 'il', learners might incorrectly conjugate the verb. The present tense is 'il pleut'. Mistakes like 'il pleuve' (which is subjunctive) or 'il plouvre' (incorrect spelling) should be avoided. Stick to the standard 'il pleut' for present descriptions.
- Literal Translation of Idioms
- While 'it's raining cats and dogs' is an English idiom, its direct translation into French would not make sense. French has its own idioms like 'il pleut des cordes' or 'il pleut des hallebardes'. Trying to directly translate English weather idioms can lead to confusion.
- Overuse of 'Il a plu'
- While 'Il a plu' is correct for past rain, learners might sometimes use it when the imperfect tense 'Il pleuvait' would be more appropriate to describe a continuous or habitual past rain. For example, 'Il pleuvait quand je suis parti' (It was raining when I left) is better than 'Il a plu quand je suis parti' if the rain was ongoing.
Incorrect: Je pleut beaucoup aujourd'hui. Correct: Il pleut beaucoup aujourd'hui.
To avoid these mistakes, always remember the impersonal nature of 'pleuvoir'. Practice saying 'il pleut', 'il va pleuvoir', and 'il a plu' until they become second nature. When you hear French speakers talk about the weather, pay close attention to their sentence structures. This will help you internalize the correct usage and avoid common pitfalls. Focus on mastering the basic forms first, and then gradually incorporate adverbs and idiomatic expressions.
Nuances and Alternatives to "Pleuvoir"
While 'pleuvoir' is the standard verb for rain, French offers other ways to describe precipitation or related weather phenomena. Understanding these alternatives allows for more precise and varied expression. Some words are more specific, while others are more general or metaphorical.
- 'Il bruine' (Drizzling)
- This is a common alternative when the rain is very light and fine. 'Bruiner' is the verb, and it's also used impersonally: 'Il bruine'. It describes a gentle, misty rain, often associated with cooler, damp weather.
- 'Il gèle' (It's freezing)
- While not directly about rain, freezing temperatures can lead to different forms of precipitation like sleet or freezing rain. 'Geler' means to freeze, and 'il gèle' describes the general condition of freezing temperatures.
- 'La pluie' (The rain - noun)
- This is the noun form. Instead of saying 'it is raining', you might talk about 'the rain'. For example, 'La pluie rend le paysage magnifique' (The rain makes the landscape beautiful). You can also use adjectives with the noun: 'une pluie fine' (a fine rain), 'une averse' (a shower).
- 'Averse' (Shower)
- This refers to a sudden, often brief, fall of rain. You might say 'une averse soudaine' (a sudden shower). It's a more specific term than just general 'pluie'.
- 'Il neige' (It's snowing)
- This is a completely different phenomenon but often discussed alongside rain. 'Neiger' means to snow, and like 'pleuvoir', it's impersonal: 'Il neige'.
Il pleut légèrement, ce n'est pas une grosse averse.
When choosing between 'pleuvoir' and its alternatives, consider the intensity and type of precipitation. 'Il pleut' is the general term. 'Il bruine' is for light drizzle. 'Une averse' is for a shower. Using these distinctions will make your French more nuanced and accurate. While 'pleuvoir' is the most fundamental, learning these related terms will significantly enrich your weather vocabulary and your ability to describe the environment accurately.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The Latin root 'pluere' is thought to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of falling rain. Many languages have similar-sounding words for rain, suggesting a shared ancient origin or onomatopoeic development.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'eu' sound, often making it sound like 'oo' or 'ew'.
- Not rounding the lips sufficiently for the 'eu' sound.
- Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly or like an English 'r'.
- Confusing the 'oi' sound with 'oy' or 'ui'.
Difficulty Rating
The basic form 'il pleut' is extremely easy to recognize and understand in written text. Even with modifiers or in different tenses, the context of weather makes it highly decipherable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Impersonal verbs in French (e.g., 'il pleut', 'il neige', 'il fait beau').
'Il pleut' means 'It is raining'. The subject 'il' is impersonal and does not refer to a specific person.
Conjugation of 'pleuvoir' in different tenses (present, passé composé, imperfect, future).
Present: il pleut. Passé composé: il a plu. Imperfect: il pleuvait. Future: il pleuvra.
Using adverbs to describe intensity (e.g., 'beaucoup', 'fort', 'légèrement').
'Il pleut beaucoup' means 'It is raining a lot'.
Idiomatic expressions related to weather.
'Il pleut des cordes' is an idiom for very heavy rain.
Using 'quand', 'si', 'bien que' with weather verbs.
'Quand il pleut, je reste à la maison.' (When it rains, I stay home.)
Examples by Level
Il pleut.
It is raining.
This is the most basic form, using the impersonal 'il' and the present tense of 'pleuvoir'.
Il pleut beaucoup.
It is raining a lot.
Adding the adverb 'beaucoup' to indicate intensity.
Il va pleuvoir.
It is going to rain.
Using the near future tense ('aller' + infinitive) to predict future rain.
Il a plu hier.
It rained yesterday.
Using the passé composé ('avoir' + past participle) for past events.
Il pleut des gouttes.
It's raining drops.
A simple way to emphasize the presence of rain drops.
Il pleut doucement.
It's raining softly.
Using the adverb 'doucement' (softly) to describe light rain.
Quand il pleut, je reste à l'intérieur.
When it rains, I stay inside.
Using 'quand' (when) to introduce a conditional clause.
Il pleut, prends un parapluie.
It's raining, take an umbrella.
An imperative command linked to the weather condition.
Il pleut des cordes !
It's raining cats and dogs!
An idiom for very heavy rain.
Il pleuvait quand je suis sorti.
It was raining when I went out.
Using the imperfect tense 'pleuvait' to describe an ongoing action in the past.
Si il pleut, le match sera annulé.
If it rains, the match will be cancelled.
Using the conditional 'si' (if) with the present tense for a likely future outcome.
Il pleut rarement en été ici.
It rarely rains in summer here.
Using adverbs of frequency like 'rarement' (rarely).
J'aime quand il pleut doucement sur le toit.
I like it when it rains softly on the roof.
Expressing a preference related to the sound or feel of rain.
Il a plu toute la nuit.
It rained all night.
Indicating the duration of past rain using 'toute la nuit'.
Est-ce qu'il va pleuvoir demain matin ?
Is it going to rain tomorrow morning?
Forming a question about future rain.
Il pleut à verse, impossible de sortir.
It's pouring rain, impossible to go out.
Using 'à verse' as an adverbial phrase for very heavy rain.
Les prévisions annoncent qu'il pleuvra demain.
The forecasts announce that it will rain tomorrow.
Using the future simple tense 'pleuvra' in a subordinate clause.
Il pleuvait à torrents lors de notre randonnée.
It was raining in torrents during our hike.
Using the imperfect tense with a strong adverbial phrase for heavy rain.
Bien qu'il pleuve, nous irons nous promener.
Although it is raining, we will go for a walk.
Using 'bien que' (although) with the subjunctive mood, though in this case, the indicative is also common for weather.
Il a plu sans interruption pendant trois jours.
It rained without interruption for three days.
Describing prolonged past rain using 'sans interruption'.
On dirait qu'il va pleuvoir ; le ciel est très sombre.
It looks like it's going to rain; the sky is very dark.
Using 'on dirait que' (it looks like) to express an assumption about the weather.
Il n'a pas plu depuis des semaines, la terre est sèche.
It hasn't rained for weeks, the ground is dry.
Using negation with the passé composé to indicate a lack of rain over a period.
Il pleut des hallebardes, nous devons trouver un abri.
It's raining daggers, we must find shelter.
Another idiom for extremely heavy rain.
Après qu'il a plu, l'air est plus frais.
After it rained, the air is fresher.
Using 'après que' (after) to link two events.
Il est possible qu'il pleuve cet après-midi, selon les météorologues.
It is possible that it will rain this afternoon, according to the meteorologists.
Using 'il est possible que' followed by the subjunctive ('pleuve') to express possibility.
Il pleuvait à verse lorsque le déraillement s'est produit.
It was pouring rain when the derailment occurred.
Combining the imperfect tense with a strong adverbial for dramatic effect in past narration.
Pourvu qu'il ne pleuve pas pendant le mariage !
Let's hope it doesn't rain during the wedding!
Using 'pourvu que' (provided that, let's hope) followed by the subjunctive ('pleuve').
Il pleut continuellement depuis le début de la semaine, ce qui affecte l'agriculture.
It has been raining continuously since the beginning of the week, which is affecting agriculture.
Using the present tense to describe an ongoing action that started in the past and continues into the present, with a relative clause.
Malgré le fait qu'il ait plu abondamment, la fête a eu lieu.
Despite the fact that it rained heavily, the party took place.
Using 'malgré le fait que' followed by the subjunctive ('ait plu').
Il pleuvra certainement lors de la finale, comme l'année dernière.
It will certainly rain during the final, like last year.
Using adverbs of certainty like 'certainement' with the future tense.
Il ne faut pas sous-estimer la force avec laquelle il peut pleuvoir dans cette région.
One must not underestimate the force with which it can rain in this region.
Using 'il peut pleuvoir' to express potential intensity, with a relative clause.
Il pleuvait des cordes, et le vent soufflait en rafales.
It was pouring rain, and the wind was blowing in gusts.
Combining a strong idiom for rain with a description of wind.
Il est à craindre qu'il pleuve encore longtemps, vu la persistance des nuages.
It is to be feared that it will rain for a long time yet, given the persistence of the clouds.
Using 'il est à craindre que' followed by the subjunctive ('pleuve') and 'vu' (given) to express concern based on observation.
Il pleuvait à verse, transformant le paysage en une étendue boueuse et désolée.
It was pouring rain, transforming the landscape into a muddy and desolate expanse.
Using the imperfect tense with participial phrases to create a vivid, descriptive narrative.
Pourvu qu'il ne pleuve pas, car l'humidité est déjà à son comble.
Let's hope it doesn't rain, because the humidity is already at its peak.
Using 'pourvu que' with the subjunctive and a causal clause.
Il pleut continuellement depuis une semaine, mettant à rude épreuve les infrastructures locales.
It has been raining continuously for a week, severely testing the local infrastructure.
Describing an ongoing situation with significant consequences, using a strong verb phrase.
Il ne faut pas exclure la possibilité qu'il pleuve, même si les prévisions sont optimistes.
One must not exclude the possibility that it might rain, even if the forecasts are optimistic.
Using a more formal phrasing to express uncertainty about future rain.
Il pleuvait des hallebardes, obligeant les passants à se réfugier dans les porches.
It was raining daggers, forcing passers-by to take refuge in doorways.
Combining a vivid idiom with a descriptive consequence.
Il est probable qu'il pleuve abondamment dans la nuit, d'où la nécessité de sécuriser les biens extérieurs.
It is probable that it will rain heavily during the night, hence the need to secure outdoor belongings.
Using 'il est probable que' with the subjunctive and a consequential phrase.
Il pleut des sous, dit-on, quand on reçoit une fortune inattendue.
'It's raining money,' they say, when one receives unexpected fortune.
Referencing a figurative use of 'pleuvoir' in an idiom.
Il est fort à parier qu'il pleuve à verse, vu l'atmosphère électrique qui règne.
It is highly probable that it will pour down, given the electric atmosphere that prevails.
Using a more sophisticated idiom for probability ('il est fort à parier que') with the subjunctive and a sophisticated observation.
Il pleuvait à torrents, d'une violence telle qu'elle redessinait le paysage au gré de ses caprices.
It was raining in torrents, with such violence that it reshaped the landscape according to its whims.
Employing complex sentence structure and personification to describe the rain's impact.
Pourvu qu'il ne pleuve pas, car le moindre grain pourrait compromettre la tenue de l'événement.
Let's hope it doesn't rain, because the slightest drop could compromise the holding of the event.
Using 'pourvu que' with the subjunctive and a strong verb phrase indicating consequence.
Il pleut continuellement depuis une semaine, une accalmie semblant hors de portée et menaçant l'écosystème local.
It has been raining continuously for a week, a respite seeming out of reach and threatening the local ecosystem.
Using advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structure to describe an ongoing environmental crisis.
Il ne faut jamais sous-estimer la puissance dévastatrice avec laquelle il peut pleuvoir lors de moussons.
One must never underestimate the devastating power with which it can rain during monsoons.
Using strong adjectives and specific geographical phenomena (monsoons).
Il pleuvait des hallebardes, une métaphore pour décrire une pluie si dense qu'elle en devenait presque palpable.
It was raining daggers, a metaphor to describe rain so dense it almost became palpable.
Explaining the metaphorical meaning of an idiom.
Il est hautement probable qu'il pleuve abondamment, rendant toute activité extérieure périlleuse.
It is highly probable that it will rain heavily, making any outdoor activity perilous.
Using formal probability and strong consequence.
Il pleut des sous, dit l'adage, pour illustrer la manne financière qui s'est abattue sur l'entreprise.
'It's raining money,' says the adage, to illustrate the financial windfall that befell the company.
Using 'adage' and a more formal description of financial success.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It is raining. This is the most basic and common way to state that it is raining.
Regarde dehors, il pleut.
— It is raining a lot. Used to describe heavy rainfall.
Il pleut beaucoup aujourd'hui, j'ai dû annuler ma promenade.
— It is going to rain. Used to predict future rain, often based on observations or forecasts.
Le ciel est tout gris, il va pleuvoir.
— It rained. Used to talk about rain that has already occurred.
Il a plu hier soir, mais maintenant il fait beau.
— It was raining. Used to describe ongoing rain in the past, often to set a scene or provide context.
Il pleuvait quand nous sommes partis en vacances.
— It's raining very heavily (literally 'raining ropes'). An idiom for torrential rain.
N'oublie pas ton imperméable, il pleut des cordes dehors !
— It's pouring rain. Similar to 'il pleut des cordes', indicating very heavy rainfall.
Nous sommes restés coincés à l'intérieur car il pleut à verse.
— It is not raining. The negation of the basic statement.
Bonne nouvelle, il ne pleut pas aujourd'hui !
— It's raining a little. Used for light rainfall.
Il pleut un peu, mais ce n'est pas grave.
— It's raining drops. A simple way to say it's raining, emphasizing the individual drops.
Il pleut juste quelques gouttes, le temps va s'améliorer.
Often Confused With
While both are impersonal verbs describing precipitation, 'neiger' means 'to snow', whereas 'pleuvoir' means 'to rain'. They describe different forms of water falling from the sky.
'Bruiner' means 'to drizzle', which is a very light form of rain. 'Pleuvoir' is the general term for rain, which can be light or heavy.
'Geler' means 'to freeze'. While freezing temperatures can accompany rain (freezing rain), 'geler' refers to the temperature, not the precipitation itself.
Idioms & Expressions
— It's raining very heavily. This idiom compares the falling rain to ropes, emphasizing the intensity and volume of the downpour.
On ne peut pas sortir maintenant, il pleut des cordes !
Informal— It's pouring rain. Similar to 'il pleut des cordes', this idiom describes a torrential downpour, suggesting a large volume of water falling rapidly.
N'oublie pas ton parapluie, il pleut à verse dehors.
Informal— It's raining extremely heavily, like sharp weapons. This is another idiom for torrential rain, suggesting a violent and intense downpour.
Le vent s'est levé et il pleut des hallebardes, il faut rentrer vite.
Informal— It's raining money. This figurative expression means that someone is receiving a lot of money unexpectedly, like a windfall.
Après avoir vendu son entreprise, il pleut des sous pour lui.
Figurative/Informal— It's raining nails. This is a less common but still used idiom for very heavy rain, similar to 'il pleut des cordes'.
On ne va jamais finir de peindre le toit s'il pleut des clous comme ça.
Informal— It's raining frogs. This is a very rare and often mythical idiom, referring to a bizarre or impossible event, or sometimes to extremely heavy, unusual rainfall.
On dit qu'il pleut des grenouilles quand les phénomènes météorologiques sont vraiment étranges.
Figurative/Rare— It's raining fish. Similar to raining frogs, this refers to highly unusual phenomena, often associated with waterspouts picking up aquatic life.
Certaines régions ont rapporté qu'il pleut des poissons après des tempêtes côtières.
Figurative/Rare— It's raining in the street. A literal description, but can sometimes be used slightly ironically if the context is about something else.
Il pleut dans la rue, mais j'ai quand même décidé d'aller faire mes courses.
Neutral— It's raining, it's grey. A common pairing to describe gloomy weather.
Il pleut, il fait gris, c'est une journée parfaite pour lire un livre.
Neutral— It's raining, it's cold. Another common pairing to describe unpleasant weather.
Il pleut, il fait froid, je vais mettre un pull épais.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both 'pleuvoir' and 'bruiner' describe precipitation and are impersonal verbs.
'Pleuvoir' is the general term for rain, encompassing all types and intensities. 'Bruiner' specifically refers to a very light, fine drizzle. Think of 'pleuvoir' as 'to rain' and 'bruiner' as 'to drizzle'.
Il pleut : it is raining (could be heavy or light). Il bruine : it is drizzling (very light rain).
'Averse' is a noun related to rain, and it describes a specific type of precipitation.
'Pleuvoir' is a verb meaning 'to rain'. 'Averse' is a noun meaning 'a shower', which is a sudden, often brief, downpour. You can say 'il pleut' (it is raining), or you can say 'il y a une averse' (there is a shower).
Il pleut depuis une heure. (It has been raining for an hour.) Ce matin, il y a eu une averse rapide. (This morning, there was a quick shower.)
Both are impersonal verbs describing forms of precipitation and are conjugated similarly (il pleut, il neige).
'Pleuvoir' describes rain (liquid water falling from the sky). 'Neiger' describes snow (frozen water crystals falling from the sky).
Il pleut en hiver à Paris. Il neige en hiver dans les Alpes.
'Tomber' means 'to fall', and rain does fall.
'Pleuvoir' is the specific verb for the phenomenon of rain. While you can say 'la pluie tombe' (the rain is falling), 'pleuvoir' is the primary verb for the act of raining itself. 'Tomber' is more general for anything falling.
Il pleut. (It is raining.) La neige tombe. (The snow is falling.) Les feuilles tombent de l'arbre. (The leaves are falling from the tree.)
'Pluie' is the noun form directly related to the verb 'pleuvoir'.
'Pleuvoir' is the verb (to rain). 'Pluie' is the noun (rain). You use the verb to describe the action, and the noun to refer to the substance or phenomenon.
Il pleut. (It is raining - verb.) La pluie est forte. (The rain is heavy - noun.)
Sentence Patterns
Il pleut.
Il pleut.
Il pleut + adverb.
Il pleut beaucoup.
Il va pleuvoir.
Il va pleuvoir demain.
Il a plu.
Il a plu hier.
Quand il pleut, ...
Quand il pleut, je lis un livre.
Il pleuvait + time.
Il pleuvait toute la nuit.
Il pleut des cordes.
Il pleut des cordes, il faut rester à la maison.
Il est possible qu'il pleuve.
Il est possible qu'il pleuve cet après-midi.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
-
Using personal pronouns with 'pleuvoir'.
→
Il pleut.
Learners often try to conjugate 'pleuvoir' with 'je', 'tu', 'nous', etc., like regular verbs. However, 'pleuvoir' is impersonal and only uses 'il' as the subject. For example, saying 'Je pleut' is incorrect; it must be 'Il pleut'.
-
Incorrect conjugation in the present tense.
→
Il pleut.
While 'il' is the subject, the verb ending can be a point of error. The correct present tense conjugation is 'pleut', not 'pleuve' (subjunctive) or other variations. Always remember 'il pleut' for current rain.
-
Direct translation of English idioms.
→
Il pleut des cordes.
Translating 'it's raining cats and dogs' directly into French would be nonsensical. French has its own idioms for heavy rain, such as 'il pleut des cordes' or 'il pleut à verse'.
-
Confusing 'il a plu' and 'il pleuvait'.
→
Il a plu hier soir. Il pleuvait quand je suis arrivé.
'Il a plu' (passé composé) refers to a completed past action. 'Il pleuvait' (imperfect) describes an ongoing or habitual action in the past, or sets a scene. Choosing the wrong tense can alter the meaning.
-
Using 'pleuvoir' as a noun.
→
La pluie.
'Pleuvoir' is a verb. The noun for rain is 'la pluie'. Learners might mistakenly use 'pleuvoir' when they mean 'rain' as a noun.
Tips
Master the Impersonal Form
Always remember that 'pleuvoir' is an impersonal verb. It is exclusively used with 'il' (it) and conjugated in the third-person singular. So, it's always 'il pleut', never 'je pleus' or 'nous pleuvons'.
Learn Intensity Adverbs
To describe the rain more accurately, learn adverbs like 'beaucoup' (a lot), 'fort' (hard), 'légèrement' (lightly), 'doucement' (softly), and 'abondamment' (heavily). Combine them with 'il pleut' for richer descriptions.
Embrace Idiomatic Expressions
French has colorful idioms for heavy rain like 'il pleut des cordes' and 'il pleut à verse'. Using these will make your language more vibrant and natural, especially in informal contexts.
Focus on the 'eu' and 'oi' Sounds
Pay close attention to the pronunciation of 'pleuvoir'. The 'eu' sound requires rounded lips, and the 'oi' sounds like 'wa'. Practice saying it slowly to get the sounds right.
Weather as a Conversation Starter
In French culture, talking about the weather is a very common way to start a conversation. Knowing 'il pleut' and related phrases will help you engage in small talk easily.
Use Different Tenses
Practice using 'pleuvoir' in various tenses: 'il pleut' (present), 'il va pleuvoir' (near future), 'il a plu' (passé composé), and 'il pleuvait' (imperfect) to describe rain in different time frames.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Understand the difference between 'pleuvoir' (to rain), 'bruiner' (to drizzle), and 'neiger' (to snow). Each describes a distinct form of precipitation.
Recognize Figurative Meanings
Be aware that 'pleuvoir' can be used figuratively, most notably in the idiom 'il pleut des sous' (it's raining money), meaning unexpected financial gain.
Learn Related Words
Expand your vocabulary by learning the noun 'la pluie' (rain) and the adjective 'pluvieux' (rainy), as well as related terms like 'parapluie' (umbrella) and 'imperméable' (raincoat).
Listen for Context
When listening to French, pay attention to the context surrounding 'il pleut'. This will help you understand the intensity, duration, and any associated feelings or actions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'pluviomètre' (rain gauge) that looks like a big 'plume' (feather) getting wet when it 'pleut'. The 'plume' and 'pluviomètre' both start with 'plu', like 'pleuvoir'.
Visual Association
Picture a person holding a large, bright yellow umbrella ('parapluie') under heavy rain. The umbrella is so big it almost looks like it's 'pleuvoir'ing itself, but it's actually protecting from the rain falling from the sky.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe the weather in French for the next three days using 'pleuvoir' and related terms. For example, 'Demain, il va pleuvoir toute la journée, mais après-demain, le soleil devrait revenir.'
Word Origin
The French verb 'pleuvoir' originates from the Old French 'pleuvoir', which itself comes from the Vulgar Latin 'plovēre'. This Latin term is derived from the classical Latin 'pluere', meaning 'to rain'. The root is believed to be Indo-European.
Original meaning: To rain.
Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Vulgar Latin -> Old French -> French.Cultural Context
Rain is a natural phenomenon and generally not a sensitive topic. However, prolonged or severe rain can lead to discussions about its impact on agriculture, infrastructure, or daily life, which might involve concerns or complaints.
The English 'it is raining' is a direct functional equivalent. Both languages use an impersonal construction for weather phenomena.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing daily weather and making plans.
- Il pleut.
- Il va pleuvoir.
- Il a plu.
- Il pleut fort.
- Il ne pleut pas.
Understanding weather forecasts.
- Les prévisions annoncent qu'il pleuvra.
- Il est possible qu'il pleuve.
- Il pleuvra toute la journée.
- Il pleuvra demain matin.
Describing past weather events.
- Il a plu hier.
- Il pleuvait quand...
- Il a plu sans arrêt.
- Il pleuvait à verse.
Using idiomatic expressions for heavy rain.
- Il pleut des cordes.
- Il pleut à verse.
- Il pleut des hallebardes.
Talking about the absence of rain.
- Il ne pleut pas.
- Il n'a pas plu.
- Il ne pleuvra pas.
Conversation Starters
"Quel temps fait-il dehors ? Il pleut ?"
"J'espère qu'il ne pleuvra pas pendant notre pique-nique."
"Tu as vu la météo ? Ils annoncent qu'il va pleuvoir."
"Il a beaucoup plu cette semaine, n'est-ce pas ?"
"J'aime quand il pleut doucement, ça me détend."
Journal Prompts
Décris le temps qu'il fait aujourd'hui. Est-ce qu'il pleut ? Si oui, comment ? Si non, quel temps fait-il ?
Raconte un souvenir où il a beaucoup plu. Qu'as-tu fait ce jour-là ?
Imagine une journée idéale par temps de pluie. Que ferais-tu ?
Comment le fait qu'il pleuve affecte-t-il tes humeurs ou tes activités ?
Prédit le temps pour demain. Est-ce que tu penses qu'il va pleuvoir ? Pourquoi ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Pleuvoir' is considered an irregular verb. Its conjugation is unique because it is an impersonal verb, always used in the third-person singular form 'il pleut' in the present tense. While it doesn't follow standard conjugation patterns for verbs like 'parler' or 'finir', its invariant form makes it straightforward to learn.
No, you cannot say 'Je pleus'. 'Pleuvoir' is an impersonal verb, meaning it does not have a personal subject like 'je' (I), 'tu' (you), 'nous' (we), or 'vous' (you plural/formal). The only subject used is the impersonal 'il' (it), so you always say 'il pleut'.
'Il pleut' is in the present tense and means 'it is raining' (describing current weather). 'Il pleuvait' is in the imperfect tense and means 'it was raining' (describing an ongoing or habitual action in the past, or setting a scene). For example, 'Il pleut aujourd'hui' vs. 'Il pleuvait quand je suis arrivé hier'.
You use the near future tense, which is formed with the verb 'aller' (to go) conjugated + the infinitive of the main verb. So, 'it is going to rain' is 'Il va pleuvoir'.
Yes, 'bruiner' means 'to drizzle' (Il bruine). 'Averse' is a noun meaning 'shower' (Il y a une averse). 'Pleuvoir' is the most general and common verb for rain.
'Il pleut des cordes' is an idiom that means 'it's raining very heavily' or 'it's pouring rain'. It's a colorful way to describe torrential downpour.
'Il a plu' (passé composé) is used for a completed action in the past, often a specific event or a duration that has ended. For example, 'Il a plu toute la nuit'. 'Il pleuvait' (imperfect) is used for an ongoing action in the past, or to describe weather conditions that were happening when something else occurred. For example, 'Il pleuvait quand je suis sorti'.
Yes, 'pleuvoir' can be used figuratively in idioms. The most common is 'il pleut des sous' (it's raining money), meaning someone is receiving a lot of money unexpectedly. Other less common figurative uses exist, often describing an overwhelming abundance of something.
The noun form is 'la pluie', which means 'rain'.
Yes, 'pleuvoir' is a standard French verb used across all French-speaking regions. Its usage and meaning are consistent, though regional idioms might add local flavor.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The French verb 'pleuvoir' means 'to rain'. It is always used impersonally in the third-person singular form, most commonly as 'il pleut' (it is raining). This is a fundamental verb for discussing weather and is encountered frequently in everyday French.
- Pleuvoir means 'to rain'.
- It's an impersonal verb: always 'il pleut'.
- Used for weather forecasts and daily descriptions.
- Essential for basic French conversation.
Master the Impersonal Form
Always remember that 'pleuvoir' is an impersonal verb. It is exclusively used with 'il' (it) and conjugated in the third-person singular. So, it's always 'il pleut', never 'je pleus' or 'nous pleuvons'.
Learn Intensity Adverbs
To describe the rain more accurately, learn adverbs like 'beaucoup' (a lot), 'fort' (hard), 'légèrement' (lightly), 'doucement' (softly), and 'abondamment' (heavily). Combine them with 'il pleut' for richer descriptions.
Embrace Idiomatic Expressions
French has colorful idioms for heavy rain like 'il pleut des cordes' and 'il pleut à verse'. Using these will make your language more vibrant and natural, especially in informal contexts.
Focus on the 'eu' and 'oi' Sounds
Pay close attention to the pronunciation of 'pleuvoir'. The 'eu' sound requires rounded lips, and the 'oi' sounds like 'wa'. Practice saying it slowly to get the sounds right.
Example
Il va pleuvoir cet après-midi.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More nature words
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1At water level; just above the surface of the water.
à l'abri de
B1Sheltered from; safe from.
à l'approche de
B1As (something) approaches; nearing.
à l'aube
B1At dawn; at the very beginning of the day.
à l'écart de
B1Away from; apart from.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2Outside of.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1At a slow pace.
