Italian Phrase
È nuvoloso, ma non piove.
Meaning
The sentence describes the current weather: the sky is covered with clouds, but there is no rain falling. It conveys a neutral, observational tone.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the weather during a conversation, especially in small‑talk or when giving a quick weather update. It works well in both casual and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ènuvolosomanonpiove
Essere (è)
‘È’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘essere’, used here as a copula linking the subject ‘il tempo’ (understood) with the adjective.
Nuvoloso
An adjective meaning ‘cloudy’. It agrees in gender and number with the implied noun ‘tempo’ (masculine singular).
ma
A coordinating conjunction that introduces a contrast, similar to ‘but’ in English.
non
Negation particle placed before the verb to make the statement negative.
piove
Third‑person singular present indicative of ‘piovere’ (to rain). Used for impersonal weather statements.
🗨In Conversation
È nuvoloso, ma non piove.
It's cloudy, but it's not raining.
Sì, sembra una giornata perfetta per una passeggiata.
Yes, it looks like a perfect day for a walk.
✕Common Mistakes
È nuvoloso, ma non piova.
Use the indicative ‘piove’ for factual statements about the weather; ‘piova’ is subjunctive and would be wrong here.
È nuvolosa, ma non piove.
The adjective must agree with the implied masculine noun ‘tempo’; ‘nuvolosa’ would be feminine and incorrect.
↔Alternatives
C'è il cielo coperto, ma non cade la pioggia.
The sky is overcast, but the rain isn't falling.
Il tempo è nuvoloso, però non piove.
The weather is cloudy, however it isn't raining.
È coperto, ma non piove.
It's overcast, but it's not raining.
Cultural Tip
Italians love to talk about the weather as a conversation starter. ‘Nuvoloso’ is common in the north where clouds are frequent, while in the south people often say ‘cielo coperto’. Remember to keep the tone light; adding a comment like ‘perfetto per una passeggiata’ shows you’re friendly and engaged.