Discover how to use “hacer”, “hay” and “estar” (with expressions that are very typical in Spain)
Talking about the weather is one of the most universal ways to start a conversation. It doesn’t matter if you’re waiting for the bus, popping into a shop, or greeting a neighbour in the lift: saying something like “Vaya calor hace hoy” can break the ice (and never more literally!).
In Spanish, especially in Spain, talking about the weather means knowing how to use three very specific verbs correctly: “hacer”, “haber” (in the form hay), and “estar”. Each one is used in different contexts, and combining them with colloquial expressions will make you sound like a true native.
Let’s break down how each verb is used with clear examples, and we’ll add some expressions that Spaniards use to comment on the weather… with plenty of humour.
1. The verb hacer: the king of weather
The verb hacer is one of the most common when talking about atmospheric conditions. We especially use it for temperatures and thermal sensations.
Structure: Hace + noun/weather
Examples with cold or heat:
- Hace frío → It’s cold
- Hace calor → It’s hot
- Hace fresquito → It’s a bit chilly
- Hace bochorno → It’s muggy
Examples with wind or sun:
- Hace viento → It’s windy
- Hace sol → It’s sunny
- Hace buen/mal tiempo → The weather is nice/bad
Some colloquial expressions:
- Hace un calor que flipas → It’s ridiculously hot
- Hace un frío que pela → It’s freezing cold
- Hace un día de perros → It’s a terrible day
- Hace un sol de justicia → The sun is blazing
- Hace un viento que te lleva → The wind’s strong enough to carry you away
In short: use hacer when talking about general weather or thermal sensations.
2. The verb “haber”: hay tormenta, hay niebla…
When talking about atmospheric phenomena, such as storms, fog, or clouds, we use the verb haber in its impersonal form: hay (present tense).
Structure: Hay + weather phenomenon
Common examples:
- Hay niebla → There’s fog
- Hay tormenta → There’s a storm
- Hay nubes → There are clouds
- Hay granizo → There’s hail
- Hay chubascos → There are showers
It’s also used with expressions of probability or warning, such as:
- Hay posibilidad de lluvia → There’s a chance of rain
- Hay alerta por viento → There’s a wind alert
Some colloquial expressions:
- Hay una rasca que no veas → It’s freezing!
- Hay una calima que no se ve un pimiento → The haze is so thick you can’t see a thing
- Hay una nube negra que da miedo → There’s a threatening black cloud
Notice the difference? When naming phenomena, we use hay, not hacer or estar.
3. The verb estar: for sky conditions or the temperature
The verb estar is used to describe the current state of the sky or the weather situation.
Structure: Estar + adjective/participle
Typical examples:
- Está nublado → It’s cloudy
- Está despejado → It’s clear
- Está lloviendo → It’s raining
- Está nevando → It’s snowing
- Está húmedo → It’s humid
- Está el cielo cubierto → The sky is overcast
What if you want to say the day is rainy?
- El día está lluvioso → The day is rainy
- Está el día feo → It’s an ugly day
- Está el tiempo revuelto → The weather is unsettled
Colloquial expressions:
- Está cayendo la del pulpo → It’s raining cats and dogs
- Está lloviendo a cántaros → It’s pouring
- Está que se cae el cielo → The sky is falling
- Está el día tontorrón → The day’s a bit silly
Estar is useful for describing how the sky or the atmosphere is, rather than what the weather “does”.
4. Key differences between hacer, hay and estar
It can be tricky to know which one to use. Here’s a quick guide:
What you want to say | Correct verb | Example |
Temperature or feeling | hacer | Hace frío / Hace calor |
Atmospheric phenomenon (fog, storm…) | haber | Hay niebla / Hay tormenta |
Sky condition | estar | Está nublado / Está despejado |
Action in progress (raining, snowing…) | estar | Está lloviendo / Está nevando |
5. Typical Spanish phrases to comment on the weather
Spaniards are experts at talking about the weather… and doing it with style! Here are some very typical phrases to sound more natural:
- Menudo día más raro hace, ¿no? → What a weird day it’s turning out to be, isn’t it?
- Parece que va a caer una buena → Looks like we’re in for a downpour
- Parece que va a caer una buena → Looks like we’re in for a downpour
- Ni frío ni calor, el tiempo está tonto → Neither hot nor cold, the weather’s being odd
- Está el día para manta y peli → It’s a blanket-and-film kind of day
- Esto no es lluvia, esto es diluvio → This isn’t rain, it’s a deluge
- Con este viento se te vuela hasta el alma → This wind will blow your soul away
- Hace un frío que ni en Siberia → It’s colder than Siberia
- Hay una humedad que se te mete en los huesos → The humidity gets right into your bones
These expressions add humour and naturalness to everyday conversations. They also show how creatively Spaniards use language.
6. Bonus: How to ask about the weather
If you want to ask about the weather, here are some common ways:
- ¿Qué tiempo hace? → What’s the weather like?
- ¿Cómo está el día? → How’s the day looking?
- ¿Ha salido el sol? → Has the sun come out?
- ¿Sigue lloviendo? → Is it still raining?
- ¿Hay muchas nubes? → Are there many clouds?
- ¿Hace mucho frío hoy? → Is it very cold today?
And of course, you can answer with any of the expressions we’ve seen!
Conclusion
Talking about the weather in Spanish isn’t just about vocabulary: it’s also a chance to connect, comment on daily life, and express yourself creatively.
The verbs hacer, haber, and estar are your best allies for describing what’s going on outside. And if you add a couple of colloquial expressions, you’ll win over Spaniards in no time!
Next time you step outside and look at the sky, think: hacer, hay or estar…? Then, say it with style.
