If you’ve ever spent time in Ireland, you’ll know that the weather is a national obsession. It’s unpredictable, often wet, and always a great conversation starter. Whether you’re learning English or just want to sound more like a local, here’s a guide to the most common Irish weather phrases and how to use them.
1. “It’s lashing rain!”
☔ Meaning: It’s raining heavily.
✔ Example: I forgot my umbrella, and now I’m soaked—it’s lashing rain out there!
Alternative phrases:
“It’s bucketing down.”
“The heavens have opened.”
2. “It’s grand out”
☀ Meaning: The weather is nice (or at least not terrible).
✔ Example: We should go for a walk while it’s still grand out!
Fun fact: Irish people have a high tolerance for bad weather. “Grand” can mean anything from “actually sunny” to “it’s only drizzling a little.”
3. “It’s Baltic outside”
❄ Meaning: It’s freezing cold.
✔ Example: I need about ten layers—it's absolutely Baltic out there!
Other ways to say it:
“It’s perishing.”
“It’s freezing the ears off me.”
“It’s colder than a penguin’s arse.” (Very informal!)
4. “There’s a grand stretch in the evenings”
🌄 Meaning: The days are getting longer (usually said in spring).
✔ Example: It’s still bright at 6 pm—there’s a grand stretch in the evenings!
Cultural note: This phrase is an essential part of Irish small talk. As soon as winter ends, you’ll hear it everywhere!
5. “It’s a soft day”
🌫 Meaning: A misty, damp day with light rain.
✔ Example: Ah sure, it’s just a soft day—no need for an umbrella.
Translation: It’s miserable, but we’re pretending it’s fine.
6. “It’s spitting”
🌦 Meaning: It’s drizzling lightly.
✔ Example: It’s not too bad, just spitting a bit.
Warning: Do not confuse this with actual spitting (which would be quite rude!).
7. “It’s four seasons in one day”
🌞🌧❄💨 Meaning: The weather is completely unpredictable.
✔ Example: I left the house in sunglasses, then it started raining, then snowing—it’s four seasons in one day!
Pro tip: Always carry an umbrella and sunglasses in Ireland. You never know what’s coming!
8. “It’s close”
🌡 Meaning: The air feels heavy and humid, like a storm is coming.
✔ Example: The air is fierce close today—I'd say we’ll have thunder later.
Alternative phrase: “It’s very close and sticky.”
9. “Would you look at that drying weather!”
🌬 Meaning: The perfect day for drying clothes outside (dry and breezy).
✔ Example: I’ve a load of washing to do—great drying weather today!
Cultural note: Irish people are very enthusiastic about drying their clothes outside. A windy day is an exciting topic of conversation!
10. “Sure, it could be worse”
☁ Meaning: A classic Irish way of staying positive despite bad weather.
✔ Example: It’s cold, wet, and windy, but sure, it could be worse!
Final Tip:
If you ever find yourself stuck for conversation in Ireland, just talk about the weather—it’s guaranteed to get a response!
Have you heard any of these phrases before? Let us know in the comments!
コメント