Signification
Describes someone feeling very emotional or irritable, easily provoked.
Contexte culturel
In Brazilian soap operas (novelas), characters are frequently described as having 'emoções à flor da pele' to justify dramatic outbursts and passionate reconciliations. Fado singers (fadistas) are expected to perform with their soul 'à flor da pele', showing total emotional transparency to the audience. In post-war Angolan literature, the phrase is sometimes used to describe the collective trauma and the 'raw' state of society. The phrase is a favorite of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) songwriters like Zeca Baleiro and Caetano Veloso to describe the intensity of love.
The 'Nervos' Connection
90% of the time, if you're talking about stress, use 'nervos'. If you're talking about art or love, use 'sensibilidade'.
The Accent Matters
In writing, always use 'à'. Without the accent, it's grammatically incorrect in this context.
Signification
Describes someone feeling very emotional or irritable, easily provoked.
The 'Nervos' Connection
90% of the time, if you're talking about stress, use 'nervos'. If you're talking about art or love, use 'sensibilidade'.
The Accent Matters
In writing, always use 'à'. Without the accent, it's grammatically incorrect in this context.
Sound Native
Use the verb 'estar' + 'com'. 'Estou com os nervos à flor da pele' sounds much more natural than 'Meus nervos estão à flor da pele'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Depois de trabalhar 12 horas seguidas, o gerente estava com os ______ à flor da pele.
'Nervos' is the standard noun used to describe irritability in this expression.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Select the correct option:
Option B uses the correct preposition 'à' with the crase.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'à flor da pele'.
Situation: An artist just finished a very personal painting and is crying with joy.
When referring to artistic or positive emotional depth, 'sensibilidade' is the preferred noun.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesDepois de trabalhar 12 horas seguidas, o gerente estava com os ______ à flor da pele.
'Nervos' is the standard noun used to describe irritability in this expression.
Select the correct option:
Option B uses the correct preposition 'à' with the crase.
Situation: An artist just finished a very personal painting and is crying with joy.
When referring to artistic or positive emotional depth, 'sensibilidade' is the preferred noun.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes! You can have 'alegria à flor da pele' (joy on the surface), though it's less common than using it for stress or sensitivity.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Nervoso' is a general state. 'À flor da pele' implies a higher intensity where you are about to react or explode.
No, 'pele' is always singular in this expression.
Yes, it's perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Expressions liées
Com os nervos em franja
synonymTo have nerves in tatters.
Pisar em ovos
similarTo walk on eggshells.
Dar o sangue
contrastTo give one's blood (effort).
De sangue doce
contrastSweet-blooded (calm).
