Spanish Phrase
El pronóstico dice que va a nevar un poco.
Meaning
This phrase is used to convey information about a weather prediction, specifically that there will be a small amount of snow. It uses the common structure "dice que" (says that) to report information and "ir a + infinitive" for future actions, indicating an immediate or near-future event.
When to use
You would use this phrase when discussing upcoming weather, especially when sharing information from a weather report or app. It's suitable for casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues about the day's or week's weather outlook.
✦Grammar Breakdown
El pronósticodice queva a nevarun poco
El pronóstico
This means 'the forecast'. 'Pronóstico' is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine definite article 'el'. It's a common word for weather reports.
dice que
This literally means 'says that' and is a common way to report what someone or something (like a forecast) states. 'Decir' is an irregular verb, and 'dice' is its third-person singular present tense form.
va a nevar
This is the 'ir a + infinitive' construction, used to express the immediate future or an intention. 'Va' is the third-person singular form of 'ir' (to go), and 'nevar' is the infinitive 'to snow'.
un poco
This phrase means 'a little' or 'a bit'. It's used to quantify an amount or degree, indicating a small quantity of snow in this context. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
🗨In Conversation
Qué frío hace hoy, ¿verdad?
It's so cold today, isn't it?
Sí, y el pronóstico dice que va a nevar un poco.
Yes, and the forecast says it's going to snow a little.
✕Common Mistakes
El pronóstico dice que es a nevar un poco.
The verb 'ser' (es) is incorrectly used here. For the immediate future, Spanish uses the 'ir a + infinitive' construction, not 'ser a + infinitive'.
El pronóstico dice que va a nieve un poco.
After 'ir a', you must use the infinitive form of the verb. 'Nieve' is the conjugated form (present subjunctive or imperative), while 'nevar' is the infinitive (to snow).
El pronóstico dice que nevará un poco.
While 'nevará' (simple future) is grammatically correct, 'ir a + infinitive' is more commonly used in spoken Spanish for near-future predictions, making it sound more natural and immediate.
↔Alternatives
Se espera un poco de nieve.
A little snow is expected.
Va a caer un poco de nieve, según el pronóstico.
A little snow is going to fall, according to the forecast.
Habrá un poco de nieve.
There will be a little snow.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, weather is a common topic for small talk, especially when it involves significant changes like snow (which is less common in some regions). People often rely on local news or apps for "el pronóstico" and share this information readily. The use of "un poco" (a little) softens the prediction, indicating it won't be a heavy snowfall.