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A2 verb #10,000 most common 11 min read

nublar

Top 10,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips nublar in 30 Seconds

Explanation nublar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'nublar' in the context of basic weather descriptions. You might not use the verb itself often, but you will recognize it as the root of 'nublado' (cloudy). At this stage, focus on the idea that 'nube' is cloud and 'nublar' is the action of clouds appearing. You will mostly hear it in the present tense: 'Se nubla'. It is a useful word to know when you want to talk about why you aren't going to the beach or why you need an umbrella. Even at this early stage, understanding that Spanish uses reflexive verbs for weather (like 'se nubla') is a key grammatical milestone. You don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings yet; just focus on the sky. If you see a gray sky, you can say 'Está nublado'. If you see the gray coming, you can say 'Se va a nublar'. This simple distinction helps you describe the world around you in a basic but effective way. Beginners should also notice how the word sounds—the 'u' is short and the 'ar' ending is clear. It is a regular verb, so it follows the same patterns as 'hablar' or 'caminar', making it easy to conjugate if you need to. Just remember: 'El cielo' (the sky) is the thing that 'se nubla'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'nublar' more actively, especially in the reflexive form 'nublarse'. You are expected to describe past events and future plans, so you will use it in the preterite ('se nubló') and the future ('se nublará'). You might also start to encounter its use regarding physical sensations, such as 'se me nubló la vista' (my vision got cloudy/blurry). This level is about expanding from simple states to processes. You understand that 'está nublado' is a description of now, while 'se está nublando' is a description of a change happening. You should also be able to use it in short stories or descriptions of your day. For example, 'Ayer quise caminar, pero se nubló y me quedé en casa.' (Yesterday I wanted to walk, but it clouded over and I stayed home.) You are also introduced to the idea that emotions can affect how we see things, though the focus remains largely literal. Learning 'nublar' at A2 helps you connect nouns (nube) to verbs (nublar) and adjectives (nublado), which is a crucial part of building a solid vocabulary foundation. You will also start to notice it in weather forecasts on TV or in apps, where it is a very frequent term.

By the B1 level, you are ready to explore the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of 'nublar'. You will use it to describe how feelings like 'tristeza' (sadness) or 'ira' (anger) can 'nublar el juicio' (cloud judgment). This level requires you to express opinions and abstract thoughts, and 'nublar' is perfect for that. You might say, 'No dejes que los problemas nublen tu felicidad' (Don't let problems cloud your happiness). You will also use more complex tenses, like the present subjunctive: 'Espero que no se nuble para la fiesta' (I hope it doesn't cloud over for the party). At B1, you should also be comfortable with the transitive use, where an object or emotion is the subject: 'El humo nubló la habitación' (The smoke clouded the room). You are also becoming more aware of synonyms and might start using 'encapotarse' for a more dramatic effect. Your ability to use 'nublar' in various contexts shows that you are moving beyond basic survival Spanish into more expressive and nuanced communication. You can describe not just the weather, but also the 'climate' of a situation or a person's state of mind.

At the B2 level, you use 'nublar' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its role in literature and formal speech. You might use it in a debate to describe how a lack of transparency 'nubla la transparencia de las elecciones' (clouds the transparency of the elections). You are familiar with the passive voice and more advanced grammatical structures involving the verb. You can distinguish between 'nublar' and its more formal cousin 'obnubilar' in academic texts. At this level, you can use the verb to create vivid imagery in your writing. For example, 'La duda empezó a nublar sus pensamientos, impidiéndole ver la salida' (Doubt began to cloud his thoughts, preventing him from seeing the way out). You also understand the cultural nuances—how a 'día nublado' might be seen as romantic in some contexts or depressing in others. Your vocabulary is large enough that you choose 'nublar' specifically because of the 'cloud' imagery it evokes, rather than just as a generic word for 'to make unclear'. You can also handle complex sentences with multiple clauses, such as 'Si no se hubiera nublado tanto, habríamos podido observar el eclipse con total claridad.' (If it hadn't clouded over so much, we would have been able to observe the eclipse with total clarity.)

At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'nublar'. You use it effortlessly in all its forms, including rare literary tenses. You can appreciate the subtle difference between 'nublar' and 'empañar' in a poetic context. You might use 'nublar' to describe complex social phenomena, such as how 'la propaganda nubla la percepción de la realidad' (propaganda clouds the perception of reality). You are sensitive to the register of the word and can use it in high-level professional settings, such as medical reports describing 'visión nublada' or legal documents discussing 'hechos nublados por la falta de evidencia'. Your use of the word is no longer a conscious choice but a natural part of your expressive repertoire. You can also play with the word in puns or creative writing. You understand the historical roots and how the word relates to other Latin-based languages. At C1, you are expected to produce long, complex texts where 'nublar' might be used to maintain a consistent metaphor throughout a paragraph. You can discuss the nuances of atmosphere, both literal and figurative, with ease and sophistication.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'nublar'. You can use it to express the most subtle shades of meaning. You might use it in a philosophical treatise on the nature of truth or in a highly stylized novel. You understand all its archaic uses and its place in the history of the Spanish language. You can use 'nublar' in a way that evokes specific cultural references or historical periods. For a C2 speaker, 'nublar' is just one of many tools used to paint a detailed and accurate picture of the world. You can use it in rapid-fire conversation, formal speeches, or complex technical writing without hesitation. You might analyze how a certain author uses 'el nublar de los sentidos' as a recurring theme in their work. Your understanding of the word is deep and multifaceted, encompassing its phonetics, its morphology, its syntax, and its rich tapestry of meanings. You can explain the word to others, including its various regional connotations across the Spanish-speaking world. At this level, you are not just a learner; you are a master of the language, and 'nublar' is a word you use with total confidence and precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

nublar in 30 Seconds

A common Spanish verb meaning 'to cloud over' or 'to obscure', used for weather and mental states.
Frequently used in its reflexive form 'nublarse' when referring to the sky becoming cloudy.
Metaphorically describes how emotions like anger or sadness can cloud one's judgment or reason.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate across all tenses for learners.

The Spanish verb nublar is a versatile term primarily used to describe the meteorological process of the sky becoming covered with clouds. At its most basic level, it refers to the transition from a clear, sunny state to one where visibility of the sun or stars is obscured by atmospheric moisture. However, the word extends far beyond the weather forecast. In a figurative sense, nublar is frequently employed to describe the obscuring of vision, judgment, or memory. It suggests a lack of clarity, a darkening of perspective, or the onset of confusion. When you say your vision is 'nublada', you are describing a physical or emotional state where things are no longer sharp or distinct. This dual nature—the literal atmospheric change and the metaphorical internal change—makes it a cornerstone of Spanish descriptive language.

Meteorological Aspect: The process where water vapor condenses in the atmosphere to form visible clouds, reducing direct sunlight. It is often used reflexively as 'nublarse' to indicate the change in the state of the day.
Cognitive Obscuration: Metaphorically, it refers to the loss of mental clarity. Emotions like anger, love, or grief can 'nublar' one's judgment, leading to poor decision-making or a lack of objectivity.
Visual Impairment: Used to describe physical blurring of sight, whether due to medical conditions like cataracts, tears in the eyes, or external factors like smoke and steam.

El cielo comenzó a nublar justo antes de que empezara el partido de fútbol, lo que preocupó a los jugadores.

Understanding the word requires recognizing that it is not just about 'clouds' as objects (nubes), but about the 'action' of clouding. It implies a dynamic shift. If a room fills with smoke, that smoke can 'nublar' the air. If a person becomes overwhelmed by rage, that rage can 'nublar' their reason. It is a word that captures the moment of losing clarity. In literature, it is often used to set a somber or mysterious mood, signaling that something hidden or dark is about to occur. Whether you are discussing a storm on the horizon or a complicated moral dilemma, nublar provides the necessary linguistic tool to describe the encroaching shadow. Its usage is consistent across the Spanish-speaking world, though regional preferences might favor synonyms like 'encapotar' for heavy, dark clouds. Nevertheless, nublar remains the most accessible and widely understood term for this phenomenon. It bridges the gap between the physical world and the internal psyche effortlessly. When the sun disappears behind a gray veil, the world is 'nublado'. When a memory becomes fuzzy with age, it has 'nublado' over time. This breadth of application is what makes it an essential verb for A2 learners to master as they move toward more descriptive and expressive Spanish communication.

Using nublar correctly involves understanding its transitivity and its reflexive patterns. Most commonly, when talking about the weather, we use the reflexive form nublarse. For example, 'El cielo se nubló' means 'The sky clouded over.' Here, the sky is the subject performing the action upon itself. In contrast, when used transitively, nublar means that something is clouding something else. For instance, 'El humo nubló la vista de los bomberos' (The smoke clouded the firefighters' view). In this case, the smoke is the agent causing the obscuration.

Weather (Reflexive): 'Siempre se nubla por la tarde en esta ciudad.' (It always clouds over in the afternoon in this city.) This usage focuses on the state of the environment.
Metaphorical (Transitive): 'La rabia nubló su juicio y tomó una mala decisión.' (Rage clouded his judgment and he made a bad decision.) This shows an external force affecting an internal state.
Physical Sensation: 'Se me nubló la vista por el cansancio.' (My vision became cloudy due to exhaustion.) Note the use of the indirect object 'me' to indicate whom the vision belongs to.

Si dejas que la tristeza te nuble el corazón, no verás las cosas buenas de la vida.

It is also important to consider the tense. In the preterite, 'se nubló' implies a completed action (it became cloudy at a specific moment). In the imperfect, 'se nublaba' implies a habitual action or an ongoing state in the past (it used to get cloudy, or it was getting cloudy). For example, 'Se nublaba cada vez que queríamos ir a la playa' (It would get cloudy every time we wanted to go to the beach). The verb follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern, making it relatively simple to learn. However, the complexity lies in its idiomatic applications. You might hear 'nublarse los ojos de lágrimas', which poetically describes the moment before crying. Understanding these nuances allows a speaker to move from basic descriptions to more evocative language. In academic or formal writing, nublar can be used to describe the lack of transparency in a process: 'La falta de datos nubló la investigación' (The lack of data clouded the investigation). By practicing both the literal and the figurative, you will find that nublar is a powerful verb for expressing the loss of clarity in any context. Always remember to check if the action is happening 'to the sky' (reflexive) or 'to something else' (transitive).

You will encounter nublar in a wide variety of everyday situations, ranging from the mundane to the highly emotional. The most common place is undoubtedly the weather forecast. Meteorologists use it to describe changing conditions: 'El cielo se nublará gradualmente durante la jornada' (The sky will gradually cloud over during the day). In casual conversation, friends might say, 'Parece que se va a nublar, mejor regresemos a casa' (It looks like it's going to cloud over, we'd better go home). Beyond the weather, nublar is a favorite in Spanish literature and music. Songwriters often use it to describe the confusion of love or the darkness of heartbreak. Lyrics such as 'Tu ausencia nubla mi camino' (Your absence clouds my path) are common in boleros and ballads.

News and Media: Used in reports about pollution ('el smog nubla la ciudad') or political scandals ('la corrupción nubla el futuro del país').
Medical Contexts: Doctors might ask patients, '¿Se le nubla la vista a veces?' (Does your vision get cloudy sometimes?) to check for neurological or ocular issues.
Literature and Poetry: Used to create atmosphere, describing how a forest or a character's thoughts become obscured by fog or doubt.

En las noticias de la mañana, el meteorólogo advirtió que el cielo se iba a nublar por completo antes del mediodía.

In sports, commentators might say a player's vision was 'nublada' by the sun or by a collision. In legal or philosophical discussions, one might hear about factors that 'nublan la verdad' (cloud the truth). The word is deeply embedded in the way Spanish speakers describe any situation where clarity is lost. It is not a slang term; it is a standard, widely used verb that carries a certain weight. When you hear it, listen for the context—is it about the environment, the eyes, or the mind? This will help you determine the specific nuance. In many Latin American countries, the phrase 'se le nubló la mente' is a common way to describe someone who froze or became confused under pressure. By paying attention to these different settings, you will start to see how nublar serves as a bridge between the physical and the abstract, making it a powerful addition to your vocabulary.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with nublar is failing to use the reflexive form when describing the weather. In English, we say 'It is getting cloudy,' where 'it' is a dummy subject. In Spanish, we must say 'Se está nublando.' Forgetting the 'se' makes the sentence sound incomplete or as if the sky is clouding something else. Another mistake is confusing the verb nublar with the noun nube (cloud). While they are related, you cannot use them interchangeably. You don't 'nube' the sky; you 'nublar' the sky.

Incorrect Reflexive Use: Saying 'El cielo nubló' instead of 'El cielo se nubló'. Without the 'se', the listener expects an object (e.g., 'The sky clouded the sun').
Confusing with 'Estar Nublado': Learners often confuse the action (nublarse) with the state (estar nublado). 'Se nubla' means it is becoming cloudy; 'está nublado' means it is already cloudy.
Preposition Errors: Using 'con' inappropriately. You don't usually 'nublar con nubes'; the verb itself implies the presence of clouds.

No digas 'el tiempo está nublando' si quieres decir que ya hay nubes; usa 'está nublado' en su lugar.

Another common pitfall is the literal translation of 'cloudy judgment'. While 'juicio nublado' is correct, the verb 'nublar' is often more natural in Spanish than in English. For example, 'La emoción me nubló' is very common, whereas 'Emotion clouded me' sounds slightly more poetic or formal in English. Additionally, be careful with the word 'nuboso'. While 'nuboso' also means cloudy, it is an adjective used mostly in technical weather reports ('cielo nuboso'). In everyday speech, 'nublado' is the go-to adjective. Finally, ensure you conjugate it as a regular -ar verb. Some students try to change the 'u' to 'ue' (like in 'llueve'), but nublar does not have a stem change. It is 'yo nublo', 'tú nublas', 'él nubla', etc. Avoiding these common mistakes will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise. Pay close attention to whether you are describing a change in progress or a static condition, and you will master the use of this essential verb.

While nublar is the most common verb for clouding, Spanish offers several synonyms that provide specific nuances depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives will help you enrich your descriptions and sound more like a native speaker. For instance, encapotar is often used when the sky becomes very dark and heavily covered with clouds, often preceding a storm. It suggests a 'cape' or 'cloak' covering the sky. Another alternative is oscurecer, which means 'to darken'. While not exactly the same as clouding, it is often the result of the sky clouding over.

Encapotar vs. Nublar: 'Nublar' is general. 'Encapotar' (usually reflexive 'encapotarse') implies a heavy, thick, and threatening layer of clouds. 'El cielo se encapotó' sounds more dramatic than 'se nubló'.
Empañar vs. Nublar: 'Empañar' is used specifically for glass or mirrors fogging up (like a bathroom mirror after a shower). It can also metaphorically mean to tarnish a reputation. 'Se empañaron mis gafas' (My glasses fogged up).
Confundir vs. Nublar: In metaphorical contexts, if you want to say something 'clouds' your mind, you could use 'confundir' (to confuse), but 'nublar' is more evocative of a loss of clarity rather than just a mix-up of facts.

Aunque nublar es la palabra más común, en el norte de España es frecuente oír que el cielo se está 'cubriendo'.

In medical or formal contexts, you might see obnubilar. This is a more sophisticated version of nublar, often used to describe a state of daze or semi-consciousness. If a person is 'obnubilado', they are not just confused; their entire consciousness is clouded. For physical sight, borroso (blurry) is an adjective often used in conjunction with nublar. You might say 'Veo borroso porque se me nubló la vista'. Another interesting word is tapar (to cover). One might say 'Las nubes taparon el sol', which is a simple way of describing the result of the sky clouding over. By learning these synonyms, you can choose the word that best fits the intensity and context of your situation. Whether you want to describe a light mist or a heavy, dark storm, Spanish has a specific verb to help you express that lack of clarity with precision. Practicing these distinctions will elevate your Spanish from basic communication to nuanced expression.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'nebula' in English comes from the same Latin root 'nubes'. So, a 'nebula' in space is etymologically a 'little cloud'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nuˈβlaɾ/

US /nuˈblɑr/

The stress is on the last syllable: nu-BLAR.

Rhymes With

hablar cantar mirar llegar estar lugar mar azar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'cup'. It must be 'oo'.
Rolling the 'r' too much; it is a single tap, not a trill.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'nube'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the reflexive 'se' for weather.

Speaking 3/5

Natural use of reflexive forms takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Common in weather reports and easily understood.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

nube cielo sol tiempo estar

Learn Next

lluvia tormenta despejar clima pronóstico

Advanced

obnubilar encapotar bruma neblina oscurecer

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs for Atmospheric Changes

Se nubla, se oscurece, se aclara.

Dative of Interest with Body Parts

Se ME nubla la vista (instead of 'mi vista se nubla').

Subjunctive with Impersonal Expressions

Es posible que se nuble.

Subjunctive after Verbs of Emotion

Me molesta que se nuble el fin de semana.

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Yo nublo, tú nublas, él nubla.

Examples by Level

El cielo se va a nublar pronto.

The sky is going to cloud over soon.

Uses the 'ir + a + infinitive' construction for the near future.

Hoy no hay sol, está nublado.

Today there is no sun, it is cloudy.

'Nublado' is the past participle used as an adjective with 'estar'.

¿Se nubla mucho en tu ciudad?

Does it cloud over a lot in your city?

Present tense, third person singular reflexive.

Me gusta cuando el cielo se nubla.

I like it when the sky clouds over.

Reflexive verb 'nublarse' in the present tense.

Mira, se está nublando.

Look, it is clouding over.

Present continuous (estar + gerund) reflexive.

No quiero que se nuble hoy.

I don't want it to cloud over today.

Present subjunctive used after a wish/desire.

A veces se nubla por la mañana.

Sometimes it clouds over in the morning.

Adverb of frequency 'a veces' with the present tense.

El sol se nubló de repente.

The sun clouded over suddenly.

Preterite tense indicating a completed action.

Ayer se nubló justo antes del picnic.

Yesterday it clouded over just before the picnic.

Preterite tense for a specific past event.

Si se nubla, llevaremos los paraguas.

If it clouds over, we will take the umbrellas.

First conditional: 'si' + present, then future.

Se me nubló la vista por un momento.

My vision got cloudy for a moment.

Reflexive with 'me' (dative of interest) to show possession of 'la vista'.

Cuando vivía en Londres, se nublaba cada día.

When I lived in London, it clouded over every day.

Imperfect tense for a habitual action in the past.

No dejes que la tristeza nuble tu día.

Don't let sadness cloud your day.

Imperative 'no dejes' followed by the subjunctive 'nuble'.

El humo de la hoguera nubló el aire.

The smoke from the bonfire clouded the air.

Transitive use of the verb (smoke is the subject).

Espero que el cielo no se nuble durante el viaje.

I hope the sky doesn't cloud over during the trip.

Subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Se nubló tanto que no podíamos ver la montaña.

It clouded over so much that we couldn't see the mountain.

'Tan... que' construction for result.

La noticia nubló su alegría momentáneamente.

The news clouded her joy momentarily.

Metaphorical use in the preterite.

Aunque se nuble, iremos a caminar por el bosque.

Even if it clouds over, we will go for a walk in the forest.

'Aunque' with the subjunctive to express a possibility.

Aquel recuerdo nubló su mente durante años.

That memory clouded his mind for years.

Imperfect preterite for a state that lasted over time.

Es normal que se nuble la vista con la edad.

It's normal for vision to get cloudy with age.

Subjunctive after 'es normal que'.

La contaminación nubla el horizonte de las grandes ciudades.

Pollution clouds the horizon of big cities.

Transitive use in the present tense.

Se le nublaron los ojos al recordar a su abuelo.

Her eyes clouded over (with tears) upon remembering her grandfather.

Poetic reflexive use for eyes/tears.

No permitas que una pequeña pelea nuble vuestra amistad.

Don't allow a small fight to cloud your friendship.

Negative imperative with 'permitas' and subjunctive 'nuble'.

El cristal se nubló por el vapor de la ducha.

The glass clouded over because of the shower steam.

Reflexive use for physical objects.

La pasión a veces nubla la razón de los jóvenes.

Passion sometimes clouds the reason of young people.

Abstract transitive use.

Un velo de misterio nubló el origen de la leyenda.

A veil of mystery clouded the origin of the legend.

Literary usage with a metaphorical subject.

Se nubló el panorama político tras la renuncia del ministro.

The political landscape clouded over after the minister's resignation.

Reflexive used for an abstract 'panorama'.

Las cataratas pueden nublar la visión de forma progresiva.

Cataracts can cloud vision progressively.

Modal verb 'pueden' followed by the infinitive.

Por mucho que se nuble, el sol siempre está ahí.

No matter how much it clouds over, the sun is always there.

'Por mucho que' with the subjunctive.

La falta de pruebas nubló el veredicto final.

The lack of evidence clouded the final verdict.

Transitive use in a formal context.

Su juicio se nubló por el consumo excesivo de alcohol.

His judgment was clouded by excessive alcohol consumption.

Reflexive/Passive construction.

El director no quería que nada nublara el éxito del estreno.

The director didn't want anything to cloud the success of the premiere.

Imperfect subjunctive after a past desire.

La retórica populista suele nublar los hechos objetivos.

Populist rhetoric often clouds objective facts.

Transitive use in a sociopolitical context.

Se le nubló el semblante al escuchar la acusación.

His countenance clouded over upon hearing the accusation.

Reflexive with 'semblante' (countenance/face).

La melancolía nubló sus últimos años de vida en el exilio.

Melancholy clouded his last years of life in exile.

Transitive use with an abstract emotion as subject.

Es imperativo que no se nuble la transparencia del proceso judicial.

It is imperative that the transparency of the judicial process is not clouded.

Subjunctive after an impersonal expression of necessity.

Un denso smog nubló la visibilidad en la autopista durante horas.

A dense smog clouded visibility on the highway for hours.

Formal transitive use with a specific agent.

Sus ojos se nublaron, no de llanto, sino de una profunda duda.

His eyes clouded over, not with tears, but with deep doubt.

Reflexive used to describe an internal state via physical eyes.

La complejidad del asunto nubló cualquier intento de solución rápida.

The complexity of the matter clouded any attempt at a quick solution.

Transitive use describing an intellectual obstacle.

Apenas se nubló el horizonte, los marineros recogieron las velas.

As soon as the horizon clouded over, the sailors took in the sails.

'Apenas' used to indicate immediate sequence.

La pátina del tiempo ha nublado la nitidez de aquellas fotografías.

The patina of time has clouded the sharpness of those photographs.

Metaphorical use of 'pátina del tiempo' with the present perfect.

No permitas que el rencor nuble la pureza de tus intenciones.

Do not allow resentment to cloud the purity of your intentions.

Negative imperative with a complex abstract object.

Se nubló su entendimiento bajo el peso de tan atroces revelaciones.

His understanding was clouded under the weight of such atrocious revelations.

Formal reflexive use with 'entendimiento'.

El autor utiliza la niebla para nublar la frontera entre realidad y sueño.

The author uses fog to cloud the border between reality and dream.

Infinitive used to express purpose in literary analysis.

Cualquier atisbo de esperanza se nubló tras el fracaso de las negociaciones.

Any glimmer of hope clouded over after the failure of the negotiations.

Reflexive use with an abstract subject 'atisbo de esperanza'.

La magnificencia del palacio nubló los sentidos de los visitantes.

The magnificence of the palace clouded the senses of the visitors.

Transitive use describing an overwhelming sensory experience.

Su voz se quebró y su mirada se nubló al pronunciar el último adiós.

His voice broke and his gaze clouded over as he said his final goodbye.

Reflexive used in a highly emotional, descriptive sentence.

La bruma matinal nubló el valle, confiriéndole un aire fantasmal.

The morning mist clouded the valley, giving it a ghostly air.

Transitive use followed by a gerund describing consequence.

Common Collocations

se nubla el cielo

nublar la vista

nublar el juicio

se nubla la mente

nublar la razón

nublar el horizonte

nublarse los ojos

nublar el futuro

nublar el sol

nublar la verdad

Common Phrases

Se está nublando.

— It is starting to get cloudy right now.

Lleva el paraguas, se está nublando.

Se me nubló la vista.

— My vision became blurry or unclear.

Me levanté rápido y se me nubló la vista.

Nublar el entendimiento.

— To prevent someone from thinking clearly.

El miedo puede nublar el entendimiento.

Cielo nublado.

— A cloudy sky (using the adjective form).

Hoy tenemos un cielo nublado y gris.

Se nubló por completo.

— It became completely covered in clouds.

En cinco minutos se nubló por completo.

Sin nublar.

— Without clouding; clearly.

Explicó todo sin nublar los hechos.

Nublar la memoria.

— To make memories fuzzy or unclear.

El paso de los años nubla la memoria.

Nublar la belleza.

— To obscure or lessen beauty.

Nada puede nublar la belleza de este lugar.

Se nubla la tarde.

— The afternoon is turning cloudy.

Se nubla la tarde, parece que va a llover.

Nublar los sentidos.

— To overwhelm the senses.

El perfume era tan fuerte que nubló sus sentidos.

Often Confused With

nublar vs nube

'Nube' is the noun (cloud), 'nublar' is the verb (to cloud).

nublar vs nublado

'Nublado' is the adjective/past participle (cloudy).

nublar vs niebla

'Niebla' is fog, which is on the ground, while 'nublar' usually refers to the sky.

Idioms & Expressions

"nublarse la vista"

— To lose clarity of vision, often due to emotion or fainting.

Al ver a su hijo, se le nubló la vista de lágrimas.

common

"nublar el juicio"

— To lose the ability to make logical decisions.

El poder a veces nubla el juicio de los políticos.

common

"tener el panorama nublado"

— To face an uncertain or difficult future.

Con la huelga, la empresa tiene el panorama nublado.

informal

"nublarse los ojos de lágrimas"

— To be on the verge of crying.

Se le nublaron los ojos de lágrimas al despedirse.

literary

"nublar la mente"

— To become confused or unable to think.

El pánico le nubló la mente y no supo qué hacer.

common

"verlo todo nublado"

— To be pessimistic or see only difficulties.

Desde que perdió el empleo, lo ve todo nublado.

informal

"un nublado en el horizonte"

— A potential problem or threat in the future.

Hay un nublado en el horizonte para la economía.

metaphorical

"nublar la verdad con mentiras"

— To obscure the facts intentionally.

El testigo intentó nublar la verdad con mentiras.

formal

"no dejar que nada nuble tu felicidad"

— To remain positive despite obstacles.

Disfruta tu boda y no dejes que nada nuble tu felicidad.

common

"nublarse el semblante"

— To look worried or sad suddenly.

Se le nubló el semblante cuando oyó la mala noticia.

literary

Easily Confused

nublar vs empañar

Both mean 'to cloud' or 'to fog'.

'Empañar' is specifically for surfaces like glass or mirrors. 'Nublar' is for the sky or mental clarity.

El espejo se empañó, pero el cielo se nubló.

nublar vs oscurecer

Clouding often causes darkening.

'Oscurecer' means to make dark (regardless of clouds), while 'nublar' specifically mentions clouds.

La noche oscurece el mundo; las nubes nublan el sol.

nublar vs cubrir

Both involve covering something.

'Cubrir' is general. 'Nublar' is specific to clouds.

Cubrió la mesa con un mantel; las nubes nublaron el cielo.

nublar vs confundir

Metaphorically, both involve lack of clarity.

'Confundir' is to mix up things; 'nublar' is to obscure things.

Me confundí de camino; la tristeza nubló mi mente.

nublar vs tapar

Clouds 'tapar' (cover) the sun.

'Tapar' is a very simple, physical action. 'Nublar' is a more specific atmospheric process.

Tápate con la manta; el cielo se nubló.

Sentence Patterns

El cielo se nubla.

El cielo se nubla hoy.

Se va a nublar.

Mira, se va a nublar pronto.

No dejes que (sustantivo) nuble (sustantivo).

No dejes que el miedo nuble tu camino.

Se le nubló la vista a causa de...

Se le nubló la vista a causa del calor.

(Sustantivo abstracto) nubla la percepción de...

El prejuicio nubla la percepción de la realidad.

Sin que nada nuble la nitidez de...

Explicó el plan sin que nada nuble la nitidez de su propósito.

Any

Se está nublando.

Cierra las ventanas, se está nublando.

Any

Se nubló el día.

Qué pena, se nubló el día.

Word Family

Nouns

nube (cloud)

nubosidad (cloudiness)

nublado (cloudy weather)

nublo (storm cloud/gloomy sky)

Verbs

nublar (to cloud)

nublarse (to become cloudy)

anublar (rare variant of nublar)

obnubilar (to daze)

Adjectives

nublado (cloudy)

nuboso (cloudy - technical)

nubiloso (poetic/rare)

desnublado (cleared - rare)

nebulosa (nebula)

neblina (mist/fog)

niebla (fog)

nubarrón (large dark cloud)

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in weather and emotional descriptions.

Common Mistakes

El tiempo está nublando. → El tiempo está nublado / Se está nublando.
'Nublando' is the gerund. You need 'se' for the action or the adjective for the state.
Mi juicio nubló. → Mi juicio se nubló.
Judgment doesn't cloud something else; it becomes clouded. Use the reflexive.
Se nubla el sol. → Las nubes nublan el sol / El sol se oculta.
The sun doesn't cloud itself; clouds cloud the sun.
Está mucho nuboso. → Está muy nublado.
'Nuboso' is technical and 'mucho' is not used with adjectives; use 'muy'.
Se me nublaron los ojos con el humo. → El humo me nubló la vista.
While understandable, 'nublarse los ojos' is usually for tears/emotions. For smoke, use 'nublar la vista'.

Tips

Reflexive Use

Always use 'se' when the sky is the subject. 'El cielo se nubló' is correct; 'El cielo nubló' is incorrect unless you name what it clouded.

Root Word

Link it to 'nube'. Nube (noun) -> Nublar (verb) -> Nublado (adjective). This helps build a family of words.

Stress

Remember to stress the end: nu-BLAR. It's a common mistake for English speakers to stress the first part.

Mental Clarity

Use 'nublar' to describe confusion. 'Se me nubló la mente' is a great way to say 'I blanked out' or 'I got confused'.

Weather Reports

When listening to the news, look for 'nubosidad' (cloudiness) and 'nublarse'. They are key terms.

Poetic Flair

In writing, use 'nublarse los ojos' instead of just saying 'to cry'. It's more evocative.

Vs. Empañar

Don't use 'nublar' for mirrors. Use 'empañar'. Mirrors fog up (empañar); skies cloud over (nublar).

Subjunctive

Practice using it with 'espero que'. 'Espero que no se nuble' is a very natural sentence.

Small Talk

'Parece que se va a nublar' is a perfect conversation starter in any Spanish-speaking country.

Doctor Visits

If you ever go to an eye doctor in a Spanish-speaking country, 'vista nublada' is the term for 'blurred vision'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'NEW-BLUR'. When it clouds over, everything looks like a NEW BLUR because you can't see the sun clearly.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright sun being covered by a giant gray blanket. That blanket is the action of 'nublar'.

Word Web

Nube (Cloud) Lluvia (Rain) Gris (Gray) Cielo (Sky) Vista (Sight) Juicio (Judgment) Sombra (Shadow) Tormenta (Storm)

Challenge

Try to describe the weather for the next five days using 'nublar', 'nublado', and 'se nublará'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'nubilare', which comes from 'nubes' (cloud).

Original meaning: To cover with clouds.

Romance (Latin).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; 'nublar' is a neutral, descriptive term.

In English, we often say 'it's getting cloudy'. In Spanish, 'se nubla' is more concise.

The song 'Cielo Nublado' is a famous Mexican ranchera. Many poems by Pablo Neruda use cloud imagery to describe emotions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

Se nublará por la tarde.
Cielos que tienden a nublarse.
Probabilidad de nublarse.
Se nubló totalmente.

Health/Vision

Se me nubla la vista.
Visión nublada.
¿Se le nublan los ojos?
Sentir la vista nublada.

Emotions/Mental State

La rabia nubla el juicio.
Se le nubló la mente.
No nubles tu felicidad.
Dudas que nublan la razón.

Environment/Pollution

El humo nubla el aire.
La contaminación nubla el sol.
El polvo nubló el ambiente.
Smog que nubla la ciudad.

Literature/Poetry

La tristeza nubló su alma.
Un velo nubló su mirada.
Noches que se nublan.
El pasado nubla el presente.

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que se va a nublar antes de que terminemos el partido?"

"¿Alguna vez se te ha nublado la vista por el cansancio?"

"¿Te gusta cuando el cielo se nubla o prefieres el sol total?"

"¿Qué cosas crees que pueden nublar el juicio de una persona?"

"¿Se nubla mucho en tu país durante el verano?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un día en el que el cielo se nubló de repente y cambió tus planes.

Escribe sobre una situación en la que tus emociones nublaron tu juicio.

¿Cómo te sientes cuando el tiempo se empieza a nublar?

Imagina un mundo donde el cielo nunca se nubla. ¿Cómo sería?

Describe la sensación de tener la vista nublada después de un largo día.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Depende. Se usa 'nublarse' (reflexivo) para el clima: 'El cielo se nubla'. Se usa 'nublar' (transitivo) cuando algo oscurece a otra cosa: 'El humo nubló la vista'.

Se dice 'Se está nublando' o 'Se va a nublar'.

Sí, es muy común decir 'se me nubló la vista' cuando no ves bien.

Sí, se conjuga como 'hablar'. No tiene cambios en la raíz.

'Nublado' es la palabra común. 'Nuboso' se usa más en informes técnicos de meteorología.

Sí, es muy común: 'La ira nubló su juicio'.

Significa que la cara de alguien se pone triste o preocupada de repente.

Sí, se usa y se entiende perfectamente en todos los países hispanohablantes.

Se dice 'nublado'.

No, 'nublar' es solo que aparecen nubes. Puede nublarse y no llover.