Meaning
To watch carefully or pay close attention to someone or something.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'estar de olho' is often used in the context of 'paquera' (flirting). If someone is 'de olho' on you at a club, it's a clear sign of attraction. In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in consumer rights and safety contexts. Public service announcements might tell citizens to 'ficar de olho' on their belongings in tourist areas like Belém. In Angolan Portuguese, 'estar de olho' can carry a strong sense of community protection. Neighbors 'estão de olho' on each other's houses as a form of informal security. In Mozambique, it's common in the markets (dumbanengues). Sellers are always 'de olho' on the competition's prices.
Use 'Tô'
In 90% of spoken conversations, Brazilians will say 'Tô de olho' instead of 'Estou de olho'.
Singular Only
Never say 'de olhos'. It marks you immediately as a non-native speaker.
Meaning
To watch carefully or pay close attention to someone or something.
Use 'Tô'
In 90% of spoken conversations, Brazilians will say 'Tô de olho' instead of 'Estou de olho'.
Singular Only
Never say 'de olhos'. It marks you immediately as a non-native speaker.
Combine with 'Ficar'
Use 'Ficar de olho' when you want to tell someone to start a task. 'Fica de olho no forno!'
Flirting Nuance
If someone says they are 'de olho' on you, it's usually a compliment, but pay attention to their body language!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct contraction (no, na, nos, nas).
Eu estou de olho ___ promoção da loja.
'Promoção' is a feminine singular noun, so em + a = na.
Which sentence is correct for asking a favor?
How do you ask someone to watch your bag?
'Ficar de olho' is used for requests, and 'olho' is singular.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'O chefe está de olho no seu trabalho.'
The 'chefe' (boss) is monitoring the 'trabalho' (work).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você viu aquele carro novo? B: Sim, eu ______ de olho nele para comprar no ano que vem.
The present state of interest is best expressed with 'estou'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Estar vs. Ficar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu estou de olho ___ promoção da loja.
'Promoção' is a feminine singular noun, so em + a = na.
How do you ask someone to watch your bag?
'Ficar de olho' is used for requests, and 'olho' is singular.
Sentence: 'O chefe está de olho no seu trabalho.'
The 'chefe' (boss) is monitoring the 'trabalho' (work).
A: Você viu aquele carro novo? B: Sim, eu ______ de olho nele para comprar no ano que vem.
The present state of interest is best expressed with 'estou'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo. For movies, use 'assistir'. 'Estar de olho' implies monitoring or waiting for something, not entertainment.
Not at all. It's a very standard, friendly idiom. However, 'estar de olho' on a person can be creepy if you don't know them.
'Vigiar' is more formal and often implies a security context. 'Estar de olho' is more versatile and casual.
Yes. 'Estar olho' is grammatically incorrect. The 'de' is essential.
Yes, you can say 'Estou de olho na minha dieta' (I'm keeping an eye on my diet).
Yes, it is perfectly common in Portugal, though they might use 'estar atento' slightly more in formal speech.
You would say 'Fique de olho por mim' or 'Fique de olho para mim'.
Yes: 'Eu estava de olho'.
Almost always. If you are watching *for* something, you use 'em'.
Yes, 'dar um check' or 'ficar ligado' are common slang alternatives.
Yes, if you are monitoring the weather for a trip.
Use 'Fique de olho bem aberto' or 'Abra o olho'.
Related Phrases
Ficar de olho
similarTo start watching or to keep watching.
Abrir o olho
builds onTo be alert or careful.
Dar uma olhada
similarTo take a quick look.
Ver com bons olhos
specialized formTo approve of something.
Comer com os olhos
specialized formTo desire something intensely (usually food or a person).
