Meaning
Describing low temperature.
Cultural Background
The 'Colpo d'aria' is a serious cultural belief. Italians believe a sudden draft or 'fare freddo' can cause immediate illness. In the Alps, 'fare freddo' is a way of life. Conversations often revolve around how many 'gradi' (degrees) it is below zero. Even a slight drop to 10°C (50°F) will prompt people to say 'fa freddissimo' and wear heavy down jackets (piumini). The 'maglia di lana' (wool vest) is the traditional defense against 'fare freddo'.
The 'Make' Rule
Always remember: The weather MAKES, the person HAS, the object IS.
Avoid 'Essere'
English speakers often say 'È freddo'. While understood, it sounds very foreign. Stick to 'Fa freddo'.
Meaning
Describing low temperature.
The 'Make' Rule
Always remember: The weather MAKES, the person HAS, the object IS.
Avoid 'Essere'
English speakers often say 'È freddo'. While understood, it sounds very foreign. Stick to 'Fa freddo'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'fare' in the present tense.
Oggi fuori ___ freddo.
Weather expressions use the 3rd person singular 'fa'.
Which sentence is correct to say 'I am cold'?
How do you say 'I am cold'?
People 'have' cold (avere freddo) in Italian.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Com'è il tempo? B: Brutto, ___ freddo e piove.
We use 'fa' for weather descriptions.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a room with the air conditioning too high.
This describes the environment of the room.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Three Colds
Weather (FARE)
- • Fa freddo
- • Fa caldo
- • Fa fresco
People (AVERE)
- • Ho freddo
- • Hai freddo
- • Ha freddo
Objects (ESSERE)
- • È freddo
- • Sono freddi
- • Era fredda
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOggi fuori ___ freddo.
Weather expressions use the 3rd person singular 'fa'.
How do you say 'I am cold'?
People 'have' cold (avere freddo) in Italian.
A: Com'è il tempo? B: Brutto, ___ freddo e piove.
We use 'fa' for weather descriptions.
You are in a room with the air conditioning too high.
This describes the environment of the room.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt's grammatically possible but rare. Italians prefer 'Fa freddo' or 'Il clima è rigido'.
In 'fare freddo', it functions as a noun (the coldness).
Related Phrases
avere freddo
similarTo feel cold (personally)
fare caldo
contrastTo be hot (weather)
fare fresco
specialized formTo be cool/chilly
freddo cane
specialized formFreezing cold
