Meaning
To be daydreaming or very happy, detached from reality.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the phrase is often shortened in speech to 'Tô nas nuvens'. It is a staple of Romanticism in Brazilian music, especially in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). Portuguese speakers in Europe use it frequently, but you might also hear 'estar nos anjos' (to be in the angels) in older generations, though 'nas nuvens' is now dominant. In Angolan Portuguese, idioms often blend with local metaphors, but 'estar nas nuvens' remains a standard way to express euphoria in urban centers like Luanda. While Crioulo is the main spoken language, in formal Portuguese contexts, this idiom is used to describe the beauty of the islands or the joy of a 'festa'.
Use 'Andar' for duration
If you want to say you've been happy for a whole week, say 'Ando nas nuvens'. It sounds much more native.
Avoid 'Ser'
Never say 'Eu sou nas nuvens'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
To be daydreaming or very happy, detached from reality.
Use 'Andar' for duration
If you want to say you've been happy for a whole week, say 'Ando nas nuvens'. It sounds much more native.
Avoid 'Ser'
Never say 'Eu sou nas nuvens'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Social Media
Use the hashtag #nasnuvens on Instagram when posting a photo of a beautiful sunset or a happy moment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Eu ganhei um carro novo! Eu _______ nas nuvens!
We use 'estou' (I am) because it is a temporary emotional state.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'estar nas nuvens'?
O João está nas nuvens hoje. Por quê?
The phrase indicates great happiness or being lost in positive thoughts.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Você viu a Maria? Ela não ouviu nada do que eu disse.' B: 'Sim, ela _________.'
In this context, it means she is distracted/daydreaming.
Match the phrase variation to its best description.
1. Estar nas nuvens | 2. Viver nas nuvens
'Estar' is temporary; 'Viver' (to live) implies a permanent personality trait.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ganhei um carro novo! Eu _______ nas nuvens!
We use 'estou' (I am) because it is a temporary emotional state.
O João está nas nuvens hoje. Por quê?
The phrase indicates great happiness or being lost in positive thoughts.
A: 'Você viu a Maria? Ela não ouviu nada do que eu disse.' B: 'Sim, ela _________.'
In this context, it means she is distracted/daydreaming.
1. Estar nas nuvens | 2. Viver nas nuvens
'Estar' is temporary; 'Viver' (to live) implies a permanent personality trait.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's usually a 'soft' criticism. It implies the person is dreaming, not necessarily being stupid.
It is always 'nas nuvens'. You need the definite article 'as'.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
The opposite is 'estar com os pés no chão' (to have feet on the ground).
Only if you are talking about your files on Google Drive or iCloud!
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss to show excitement, but not in a legal contract.
No, it can be about a job, a prize, a good meal, or just a beautiful day.
You can say 'estar com a cabeça nas nuvens' or simply 'estar nas nuvens'.
Yes: 'Eu estive nas nuvens ontem' (I was in the clouds yesterday).
In Brazil, 'estar brisando' is a slang equivalent for being distracted.
Related Phrases
Estar no sétimo céu
synonymTo be in the seventh heaven.
Estar no mundo da lua
similarTo be in the world of the moon.
Pôr os pés no chão
contrastTo put one's feet on the ground.
Cair das nuvens
builds onTo fall from the clouds.
