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PhrasesTalking About WeatherPiove a dirotto!
B1informal

Piove a dirotto!

It's pouring with rain!

Pronunciation

'Dirotto' — di-ROT-to. Stress on the second syllable. Double 't'. The 'r' is rolled.

When to use it

Use during heavy, heavy rainfall — more intense than regular rain. Particularly vivid expression that perfectly captures Italian weather-related drama.

What it means

'Piovere a dirotto' is an idiomatic phrase meaning to rain heavily or in torrents. 'Dirotto' comes from 'dirotto' meaning unchecked or unrestrained. It's more expressive than 'piove forte' (it's raining hard).

Variations

Sta piovendo tantissimo.

It's raining a huge amount.

Simple intensified version — clear and descriptive

Ci sta un diluvio!

There's a flood out there!

'Diluvio' (deluge/flood) — biblical intensity. Very Italian dramatic expression.

È un acquazzone tremendo.

It's a tremendous downpour.

'Acquazzone' = sudden heavy shower — evocative Italian word for a cloudburst

Mini Dialogue

— Come mai sei così bagnato/a? — Piove a dirotto! Ho preso l'acqua tutta! — Non avevi l'ombrello? — Me lo sono dimenticato, ovviamente.

— How come you're so wet? — It's pouring with rain! I got completely soaked! — Didn't you have an umbrella? — I forgot it, obviously.

Cultural Note

Mediterranean storms can be sudden and intense — what starts as a clear sky can become a torrential downpour within minutes, especially in coastal areas and during autumn. Being caught without an umbrella is a common Italian experience.