Italian Phrase
Hai mai visto un tempo così brutto?
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "Have you ever seen such bad weather?" It's a common way to express surprise or dismay at particularly unpleasant weather conditions. It implies that the current weather is unusually severe or long-lasting, often used when the weather is worse than usual.
When to use
Use this phrase when experiencing exceptionally poor weather, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme cold/heat, and you want to comment on its severity to someone else. It's a natural conversational opener or a way to commiserate with others about the weather.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Haimaivistountempocosìbrutto
Hai (Avere)
'Hai' is the second person singular conjugation of the verb 'avere' (to have). In this phrase, it functions as an auxiliary verb for the 'passato prossimo' (present perfect) tense.
Mai
'Mai' is an adverb meaning 'ever' or 'never'. When used in a question without 'non', it means 'ever'. In compound tenses, it typically comes between the auxiliary verb and the past participle.
Visto (Vedere)
'Visto' is the past participle of the verb 'vedere' (to see). Together with 'hai', it forms the 'passato prossimo' of 'vedere'.
Tempo
'Tempo' can mean 'time' or 'weather' depending on the context. Here, combined with 'brutto' (bad), it clearly refers to 'weather'.
Così brutto
'Così' means 'so' or 'such' and is used to intensify an adjective or adverb. 'Brutto' means 'bad' or 'ugly', and when referring to weather, it means 'bad weather'.
🗨In Conversation
Uffa, che pioggia! Hai mai visto un tempo così brutto?
Ugh, what rain! Have you ever seen such bad weather?
No, è incredibile! Spero che smetta presto.
No, it's incredible! I hope it stops soon.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei mai visto un tempo così brutto?
The verb 'vedere' (to see) uses 'avere' (to have) as its auxiliary verb in compound tenses, not 'essere' (to be). So, 'hai' (you have) is correct, not 'sei' (you are).
Hai visto mai un tempo così brutto?
The adverb 'mai' (ever/never) typically comes between the auxiliary verb ('hai') and the past participle ('visto') in compound tenses.
Hai mai visto un tempo così cattivo?
While 'cattivo' means 'bad', 'brutto' is the more common and natural adjective to describe bad weather ('tempo brutto'). 'Cattivo' is more often used for people or abstract concepts.
↔Alternatives
Che tempo orribile!
What horrible weather!
Il tempo è davvero pessimo oggi.
The weather is really terrible today.
Non ho mai visto un tempo così.
I've never seen weather like this.
Cultural Tip
Italians, like many cultures, often use weather as a common topic for small talk, especially when greeting someone or starting a conversation. Complaining about bad weather or appreciating good weather is a universal icebreaker and a way to connect. This phrase fits perfectly into such exchanges, showing a shared experience or observation.