Portuguese Phrase
Devem vir pancadas de chuva.
Meaning
The sentence forecasts that rain showers are expected. It conveys a probability rather than a certainty, similar to saying 'Showers are likely to come.'
When to use
Use this phrase in weather reports, casual conversation about the day’s forecast, or when you want to warn someone that brief, heavy rain may appear.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devemvirpancadasdechuva.
Dever + infinitivo (impessoal)
When expressing expectation or probability, Portuguese uses the verb 'dever' in the third‑person plural followed by an infinitive (e.g., 'devem vir').
Pancada(s) de chuva
'Pancada' is a countable noun meaning a sudden burst; the plural 'pancadas' signals multiple short, intense showers.
Preposition 'de' in noun compounds
The preposition 'de' links the noun 'pancada' with its complement 'chuva', forming a fixed expression.
🗨In Conversation
Você acha que vai chover hoje?
Do you think it will rain today?
Devem vir pancadas de chuva à tarde.
Rain showers are expected in the afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem vir pancadas de chuva.
‘Tem’ (third‑person singular of ter) does not convey the impersonal expectation that ‘devem’ does.
Devem vir pancada de chuva.
When you talk about multiple showers, use the plural ‘pancadas’; the singular would imply only one burst.
Vai vir pancadas de chuva.
‘Vai vir’ suggests a definite future event, while ‘devem vir’ keeps the nuance of probability.
↔Alternatives
É provável que haja pancadas de chuva.
It is likely that there will be rain showers.
Esperam‑se pancadas de chuva.
Rain showers are expected.
Podem vir pancadas de chuva.
Rain showers may come.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, a 'pancada de chuva' usually refers to a short, intense burst of rain typical of tropical climates. Meteorologists often use the expression to describe quick, heavy showers that can appear suddenly and disappear just as fast. It’s more informal than saying 'chuva forte' and is common in everyday conversation.