Meaning
Stating that the sky is covered with clouds.
Cultural Background
In Lima, 'Está nublado' is the default state for nine months of the year. This persistent grey sky is a major part of the city's identity. They use the term 'panza de burro' (donkey's belly) to describe a specific type of low, thick, grey cloud cover common in the north of the islands. In many parts of Mexico, a cloudy day is a relief. People might say 'está fresco' (it's fresh/cool) because the clouds block the intense sun. The phrase 'está nublado' can be used to describe a person's mood, implying they are sad or 'grey' that day.
The 'Estar' Rule
Always remember that weather adjectives use 'estar'. Think of it as a temporary 'state' of the sky.
Avoid 'Hace'
English speakers often say 'Hace nublado' because they translate 'It is' to 'Hace'. Stick to 'Está'.
Meaning
Stating that the sky is covered with clouds.
The 'Estar' Rule
Always remember that weather adjectives use 'estar'. Think of it as a temporary 'state' of the sky.
Avoid 'Hace'
English speakers often say 'Hace nublado' because they translate 'It is' to 'Hace'. Stick to 'Está'.
Sound like a native
Drop the 'd' slightly in 'nublado' to sound more natural in casual conversation: 'Está nublao'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
Hoy el cielo _______ nublado.
We use 'está' with adjectives like 'nublado' to describe the weather.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'nublado' (pay attention to gender).
La mañana está ________.
'Mañana' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'nublada'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: ¿Quieres ir a la piscina? B: No, mira el cielo, ________.
If someone doesn't want to go to the pool because of the sky, it's likely because it's cloudy.
Match the weather to the activity.
Está nublado.
Cloudy days are often associated with cozy indoor activities.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Cloudy vs. Foggy
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHoy el cielo _______ nublado.
We use 'está' with adjectives like 'nublado' to describe the weather.
La mañana está ________.
'Mañana' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'nublada'.
A: ¿Quieres ir a la piscina? B: No, mira el cielo, ________.
If someone doesn't want to go to the pool because of the sky, it's likely because it's cloudy.
Está nublado.
Cloudy days are often associated with cozy indoor activities.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'ser' is for permanent characteristics. Since weather changes, we use 'estar'.
'Nublado' is common for daily speech. 'Nuboso' is more formal and used in weather forecasts.
Se dice 'parcialmente nublado' o 'nubes y claros'.
Sí, puedes decir 'tengo la vista nublada' si no ves bien.
Puedes decir 'estaba nublado' (description) o 'estuvo nublado' (event).
A veces. 'Un nublado' puede significar una tormenta o una amenaza en contextos literarios.
Se dice 'se está nublando'.
Es una forma más fuerte de decir 'nublado', cuando el cielo está totalmente gris.
No, para líquidos es mejor usar 'turbio'.
Porque 'nublado' es un adjetivo, y 'hace' se usa con sustantivos como 'sol' o 'calor'.
Related Phrases
Está despejado
contrastIt is clear/sunny
Está cubierto
similarIt is overcast
Hay nubes
similarThere are clouds
Está nuboso
specialized formIt is cloudy (technical)
Se está nublando
builds onIt is getting cloudy
