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PhrasesSmall TalkChe tempo fa oggi?
A1

Che tempo fa oggi?

What is the weather like today?

Pronunciation

'Tempo' = TEM-po — two syllables, stress on the first. Note: 'tempo' means both 'weather' and 'time' — context distinguishes them.

When to use it

The universal small-talk opener in any culture. Use with anyone in any setting — at work, with neighbours, waiting for something. In Italy, weather-based small talk is an art form.

What it means

'Fare il tempo' is the idiomatic Italian expression for weather — literally 'to do the weather.' 'Che tempo fa?' = 'What weather does it make?' This is an impersonal construction — 'fa' is third person singular with implicit impersonal subject.

Variations

Che brutto/bel tempo!

What awful/beautiful weather!

Exclamatory — expresses an opinion rather than asking a question.

Sembra che piova più tardi.

It seems like it'll rain later.

'Sembrare che + subjunctive' — B1 structure, very natural in weather predictions.

Fa più freddo del solito, no?

It's colder than usual, isn't it?

'No?' at the end is the Italian tag question — invites agreement and continues conversation.

Mini Dialogue

— Che tempo fa oggi? — Non lo so, non ho ancora guardato. Sembra nuvoloso però. — Sì, e dicono che arriva la pioggia nel pomeriggio. — Meno male che ho l'ombrello in borsa!

— What is the weather like today? — I don't know, I haven't looked yet. It seems cloudy though. — Yes, and they say rain is coming in the afternoon. — Good thing I have an umbrella in my bag!

Cultural Note

Despite being associated with constant sunshine, Italy has widely varied weather. Northern Italy can be cold and rainy like central Europe. Complaining about the weather ('che schifo questo tempo') is a universal Italian bonding ritual.