In Spanish, the verb “estar” plays a crucial role in describing current or temporary weather conditions. This usage reflects the ever-changing nature of weather states, making “estar” the go-to verb for meteorological expressions. ¡Vamos a ver cómo! (Let’s see how!)
Why Use “Estar” for Weather?
“Estar” is used to describe temporary states or conditions, as opposed to “ser,” which is used for permanent or inherent characteristics. Weather, being inherently changeable, falls squarely into the domain of “estar.”
Common Weather Expressions with “Estar”
- Está lloviendo – It’s raining
- This phrase describes the current action of rain falling.
- Hoy está nublado – It’s cloudy today
- Indicates the temporary cloudy state of the sky.
- ¿Está haciendo frío afuera? – Is it cold outside?
- Inquires about the current temperature condition outside.
- El cielo está despejado – The sky is clear
- Describes the current clear state of the sky.
- Está muy húmedo esta semana – It’s very humid this week
- Expresses the temporary humid condition for the week.
Constructing Weather Phrases with “Estar”
The general structure for these phrases is:
[Subject] + conjugated form of “estar” + [weather condition]
- For impersonal expressions (like “It’s raining”), the third person singular form “está” is used without a subject.
- For more specific subjects (like “The sky is clear”), “estar” agrees with the subject in number and person.
Note on Permanent Weather Conditions
While “estar” is used for temporary weather conditions, it’s important to note that when discussing permanent weather patterns or the climate of a place, the verb “ser” is used instead. For example:
- El clima de Madrid es continental – Madrid’s climate is continental
- La ciudad es muy lluviosa todo el año – The city is very rainy all year round
In these cases, we’re describing inherent characteristics of the location’s climate, which are considered permanent features rather than temporary states.
Conclusion
Using “estar” for weather conditions in Spanish emphasizes the temporary nature of these states. This usage aligns with the broader principle of employing “estar” for changeable conditions, helping learners and speakers accurately convey the current state of the weather in their conversations.