lloví

Lloví is the first-person singular preterite of the Spanish verb llover (“to rain”). It is pronounced with stress on the final syllable: IPA /ʎoˈβi/ in most of Spain, and /ʎoˈbi/ in much of Latin America. The preterite of llover is irregular: lloví, lloviste, llovió, llovimos, llovisteis, llovieron.

In standard Spanish, llover is typically used as an impersonal verb, so lloví usually means “it rained (on me/my area/my time)” rather than “I rained.” In speech, people often use llovió for impersonal past statements and reserve lloví when emphasizing personal experience or location (“last night I got caught in the rain; it rained where I was”). Llueva is the present subjunctive of llover; llovizna is a related noun meaning “drizzle.”

Spelling and regional notes: the y/ll contrast in lloví is part of the general spelling system of Spanish. Pronunciation of ll varies by region, from a palatal lateral approximant (ll) to a sound resembling y (yeísmo), which can affect perception of the verb’s sound. Examples: “Anoche lloví” can mean “It rained last night (where I was).” “Llovía cuando salí” describes ongoing rain as the speaker left. “Anoche llovió” is the impersonal form. “Llueva o no, vamos” (“Rain or shine, we’re going”) shows the subjunctive.

Lloví appears in colloquial expressions and figurative uses, such as “llovían críticas” (“criticism rained down”). As with many Spanish verbs, regional preferences may favor llovió for past statements, while lloví highlights personal involvement.