In 15 Seconds
- Used to show you are monitoring or watching something closely.
- Combine 'estar' or 'ficar' with 'de olho' + 'em'.
- Perfect for shopping, safety, or showing interest in someone.
Meaning
This phrase means you are watching something or someone very closely. It is used when you are interested in buying something, being careful with a child, or even keeping a suspicious eye on someone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a friend's laptop at a cafe
Pode ir ao banheiro, eu estou de olho no seu computador.
You can go to the bathroom, I'm keeping an eye on your computer.
Waiting for a sale on a new phone
Eu estou de olho naquele celular faz tempo.
I've been keeping an eye on that phone for a long time.
A boss monitoring a project's progress
A diretoria está de olho nos nossos resultados este mês.
The board is keeping an eye on our results this month.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'estar de olho' is the unofficial motto of 'Big Brother Brasil' fans. The show's logo is a giant eye, and the phrase is used constantly in social media to discuss the behavior of participants. In Portugal, the phrase is often associated with 'vigilância comunitária'. In smaller villages, it's common for neighbors to 'estar de olho' on each other's houses as a form of informal security. In Luanda's busy markets (candongas), being 'de olho' is essential to navigate the crowds and find the best products at the best prices. Used frequently in the context of family protection. Elders are expected to 'estar de olho' on the younger generation to ensure traditions are respected.
The 'Ficar' Switch
Use 'estar' for the current state and 'ficar' for the command or the start of the action. 'Estou de olho' (I am watching) vs 'Fique de olho!' (Watch out!)
Don't forget the 'EM'
Always use 'em' (no/na) after the phrase. 'Estou de olho o carro' is wrong; it must be 'no carro'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show you are monitoring or watching something closely.
- Combine 'estar' or 'ficar' with 'de olho' + 'em'.
- Perfect for shopping, safety, or showing interest in someone.
What It Means
Estar de olho is your go-to phrase for focused attention. It means you are not just looking; you are monitoring. Think of it as having your 'radar' turned on. It is like when you watch a pot of water so it doesn't boil over. You are giving that thing your full mental space.
How To Use It
You use the verb estar (to be) followed by de olho. If you are watching something specific, add the word em (in/on). Remember that em combines with articles. So, you say de olho no (masculine) or de olho na (feminine). It is very flexible and works for people, objects, or situations.
When To Use It
Use it when you are shopping and waiting for a price drop. Use it at a party to tell a friend you are watching their drink. It is perfect for parents at a playground. You can also use it at work. Tell your boss you are de olho on a deadline. It shows you are responsible and alert.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very stiff, academic writing. It is a bit too colorful for a legal contract. Do not use it if you are just glancing at something once. It implies a continuous action. If you use it too intensely with a stranger, it might sound like you are stalking them. Keep it light and contextual!
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very visual and expressive people. The eyes are seen as the primary way to connect with the world. This phrase likely grew from the need to be alert in busy urban environments. It reflects a culture that values being 'esperto' (sharp/clever). Being de olho means you won't be fooled or miss an opportunity.
Common Variations
You might hear ficar de olho. This means 'to stay' or 'to start' keeping an eye on something. Use ficar when you are asking someone for a favor. For example, 'Can you watch my bag?' becomes Pode ficar de olho na minha bolsa?. It sounds more like a temporary task than a state of being.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile but leans toward informal settings. In writing, use it to create a friendly, engaging tone, but switch to 'monitorar' or 'observar' for formal reports.
The 'Ficar' Switch
Use 'estar' for the current state and 'ficar' for the command or the start of the action. 'Estou de olho' (I am watching) vs 'Fique de olho!' (Watch out!)
Don't forget the 'EM'
Always use 'em' (no/na) after the phrase. 'Estou de olho o carro' is wrong; it must be 'no carro'.
Social Media Usage
On Instagram or Twitter, you'll see '👀' used as a shorthand for 'tô de olho'.
Examples
6Pode ir ao banheiro, eu estou de olho no seu computador.
You can go to the bathroom, I'm keeping an eye on your computer.
A very common favor among friends in public spaces.
Eu estou de olho naquele celular faz tempo.
I've been keeping an eye on that phone for a long time.
Shows desire or intent to purchase.
A diretoria está de olho nos nossos resultados este mês.
The board is keeping an eye on our results this month.
Slightly more serious, implies pressure or high expectations.
O João está de olho na sua irmã!
João has his eye on your sister!
Used here to mean romantic interest or attraction.
Cuidado! A mamãe está de olho em você.
Be careful! Mommy is watching you.
Used for supervision and safety.
Estou de olho nessa sua última fatia de pizza, hein!
I've got my eye on that last slice of pizza of yours, you know!
Playful way to express interest in food.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'estar de olho' and the preposition contraction.
Eu ________ (estar) de olho ________ (em + a) promoção.
'Eu' requires 'estou'. 'Promoção' is feminine, so 'em + a' becomes 'na'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a friend to watch your bag?
Você pode...
'Ficar de olho' is the standard way to ask someone to start watching something for you.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
A polícia está de olho naquele carro.
The police watching a car usually implies surveillance or suspicion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onde estão as crianças? B: Estão no jardim. Não se preocupe, eu ________.
'Crianças' is a feminine plural noun, so we use 'nelas' (em + elas).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to be 'De Olho'
Shopping
- • Sales
- • New models
- • Prices
Safety
- • Children
- • Bags
- • Traffic
Social
- • Crushes
- • Competitors
- • Neighbors
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ________ (estar) de olho ________ (em + a) promoção.
'Eu' requires 'estou'. 'Promoção' is feminine, so 'em + a' becomes 'na'.
Você pode...
'Ficar de olho' is the standard way to ask someone to start watching something for you.
A polícia está de olho naquele carro.
The police watching a car usually implies surveillance or suspicion.
A: Onde estão as crianças? B: Estão no jardim. Não se preocupe, eu ________.
'Crianças' is a feminine plural noun, so we use 'nelas' (em + elas).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, the idiom is fixed in the singular: 'estar de olho'.
It depends on the tone. It can be protective, interested, or suspicious. Context is key.
'Vigiar' is more formal and often implies a security context. 'Estar de olho' is more versatile and common in daily life.
Yes! 'Estar de olho em alguém' is a common way to say you are romantically interested in someone.
Fique de olho no horário.
Yes, it is widely used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, like 'estar de olho nas oportunidades' (keeping an eye on opportunities).
It is the very common informal contraction of 'estou de olho'. Use it with friends!
Not exactly. It implies looking with a specific intention or focus.
It's a bit informal. Better to say 'Estou acompanhando as novidades da empresa'.
Related Phrases
dar uma olhada
similarTo take a quick look
abrir o olho
relatedTo be alert / To watch out
comer com os olhos
relatedTo desire something intensely (usually food)
num piscar de olhos
relatedIn the blink of an eye
olho vivo
similarSharp eye / Alert
