Significado
Be in a state of extreme happiness or bliss.
Contexto cultural
In France, this phrase is often used in wedding speeches and birth announcements to convey the highest level of family joy. While 'septième ciel' is understood, Quebecers also use 'être aux oiseaux' (to be with the birds) to express a similar feeling of lighthearted happiness. Usage is identical to France, but it might be used more frequently in sports contexts, especially regarding the national football team (Les Diables Rouges). In many West African countries, French idioms are blended with local metaphors, but 'septième ciel' remains a standard literary expression for success.
The 'AU' Rule
Always use 'au'. Never say 'dans le' or 'en'. It's a fixed grammatical block.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for everything, it loses its power. Keep it for the big stuff!
Significado
Be in a state of extreme happiness or bliss.
The 'AU' Rule
Always use 'au'. Never say 'dans le' or 'en'. It's a fixed grammatical block.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for everything, it loses its power. Keep it for the big stuff!
Past Tense
Use the 'Imparfait' (j'étais) to describe a state of being in the past, and 'Passé Composé' (j'ai été) for a specific moment of joy.
Romantic Nuance
Be aware that in romantic contexts, it can imply physical intimacy. Use with caution around crushes!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and words.
Depuis qu'il a gagné le match, il est ______ ______ ciel.
The fixed idiom is 'au septième ciel.'
In which situation is it most appropriate to use this phrase?
Quand utiliseriez-vous 'être au septième ciel' ?
The phrase is used for intense happiness or success.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: J'ai enfin trouvé mon appartement de rêve ! B: C'est génial ! Tu dois ______ ______ ______ ______ !
The verb used in this idiom is always 'être'.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Associez l'expression à son sens.
All three are similar, but 'septième ciel' is the strongest.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Intensity of Happiness
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDepuis qu'il a gagné le match, il est ______ ______ ciel.
The fixed idiom is 'au septième ciel.'
Quand utiliseriez-vous 'être au septième ciel' ?
The phrase is used for intense happiness or success.
A: J'ai enfin trouvé mon appartement de rêve ! B: C'est génial ! Tu dois ______ ______ ______ ______ !
The verb used in this idiom is always 'être'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
All three are similar, but 'septième ciel' is the strongest.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, the idiom is strictly 'septième'. Even though some cosmologies have more layers, the language fixed on seven.
The origin is religious, but today it is 100% secular. People of all faiths (or none) use it.
Yes! It's a common hyperbole to say a dessert 'm'a envoyé au septième ciel'.
'Aux anges' is slightly more common for being 'delighted' or 'charmed,' while 'septième ciel' is for 'ecstatic' joy.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss (if you're close) or your best friend.
Nous sommes au septième ciel.
Not really. You would just say 'Je ne suis pas très heureux.'
It might be a bit too emotional. Better to say 'Je suis ravi de cette opportunité.'
In this context, it means 'heaven.' In other contexts, it's just the sky.
Yes, very often in French pop music and rap to describe love or success.
Usually, we use 'être'. 'Aller' sounds like you are physically traveling there.
Both are fine in writing, but 'septième' is more elegant.
Frases relacionadas
être aux anges
synonymTo be delighted
être sur un petit nuage
similarTo be on a little cloud
nager dans le bonheur
similarTo swim in happiness
être au trente-sixième dessous
contrastTo be at the very bottom / depressed
toucher le ciel du doigt
similarTo touch the sky with one's finger
