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Portuguese Phrase

Vai chover hoje?

/vaj ʃoˈveɾ oˈʒe/
Meaning"Is it going to rain today?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a common way to ask about the weather, specifically if it will rain. It uses the verb 'ir' (to go) in the present tense ('vai') followed by an infinitive verb ('chover' - to rain) to express a future action. 'Hoje' means 'today'.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when you want to know if it's going to rain on the current day. It's a very practical question for planning outdoor activities, deciding what to wear, or simply making small talk about the weather.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Vaichoverhoje?

1

Vai (ir)

'Vai' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'ir' (to go). When followed by an infinitive verb, it forms the immediate future tense, indicating an action that is about to happen or will happen soon.

2

chover

'Chover' means 'to rain'. It's an impersonal verb, meaning it doesn't typically take a subject (like 'it' in English 'it rains'). It's used in its infinitive form after 'vai' to express the future.

3

hoje

'Hoje' means 'today'. It's an adverb of time that specifies when the action is expected to occur.

🗨In Conversation

A

O céu está bem escuro. Vai chover hoje?

The sky is very dark. Is it going to rain today?

Acho que sim, a previsão disse que sim.

I think so, the forecast said yes.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • É chover hoje?

    Using 'é' (from 'ser') is incorrect for expressing future actions with an infinitive. 'Vai' (from 'ir') is used for the immediate future.

  • Vai chover para hoje?

    The preposition 'para' is unnecessary here. 'Hoje' already specifies the timeframe.

↔Alternatives

  • Vai dar chuva hoje?

    Is it going to give rain today? (Is rain expected today?)

  • A previsão é de chuva para hoje?

    Is the forecast for rain today?

  • Chove hoje?

    Does it rain today? (Will it rain today? - more direct, less common for future)

pt

Cultural Tip

Talking about the weather is a universal icebreaker, and in Portuguese-speaking countries, it's no different. Asking about rain is very common, especially in regions with distinct rainy seasons or unpredictable weather. It's a polite and neutral way to start a conversation or show concern for someone's plans.