Italian Phrase
È nuvoloso.
Meaning
The sentence simply states that the weather is cloudy, i.e., the sky is covered by clouds but the sun may still be visible. It is a neutral description, not implying rain yet.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are commenting on the current sky condition, answering a question about the weather, or giving a brief forecast. It works in casual conversation, on the radio, or in a travel guide.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ènuvoloso
Essere (è)
‘È’ is the third‑person singular present of the verb ‘essere’ (to be) and is used for weather statements.
Nuvoloso
‘Nuvoloso’ is an adjective meaning ‘cloudy’; it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes (masc. singular = nuvoloso, fem. singular = nuvolosa).
🗨In Conversation
È nuvoloso.
It’s cloudy.
Sì, sembra che pioverà più tardi.
Yes, it looks like it will rain later.
✕Common Mistakes
È nuvoloso la giornata.
The adjective must agree with the noun’s gender. Use ‘nuvolosa’ for feminine nouns (e.g., la giornata).
È nuvoloso i giorni di primavera.
Do not use ‘È nuvoloso’ for plural subjects; the verb and adjective must be plural (Sono nuvolosi).
Fa nuvoloso oggi.
‘Fare’ is not used with ‘nuvoloso’; say ‘È nuvoloso’ or ‘Il cielo è nuvoloso’.
↔Alternatives
Il cielo è nuvoloso.
The sky is cloudy.
Il cielo è coperto.
The sky is overcast.
C'è nuvolosità.
There is cloudiness.
Cultural Tip
Italians love to talk about the weather, especially in small‑talk. ‘Nuvoloso’ describes a moderate amount of cloud cover; when the sky is completely overcast they usually say ‘coperto’. In the north, people might add ‘un po’ di pioggia’ (a bit of rain) if they sense a shower coming. Remember to match the adjective’s gender – e.g., ‘La giornata è nuvolosa.’