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andar de cima

B1 noun #10,000 most common 12 min read

andar de cima

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips andar de cima in 30 Seconds

Explanation andar de cima in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning the basic vocabulary for the house. 'Andar de cima' is a vital phrase for describing where things are. You will use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to say where your bedroom or bathroom is. For example: 'O meu quarto é no andar de cima.' You should focus on the contraction 'no' (in the) and how it combines with 'andar de cima'. At this stage, don't worry about complex architectural terms; 'andar de cima' and 'andar de baixo' (downstairs) are enough to describe almost any multi-story home. You will also learn to use it with 'subir' (to go up) and 'descer' (to go down). It is helpful to visualize a simple house with two levels to remember these terms. Usually, A1 students learn 'quarto' (bedroom), 'casa de banho' (bathroom), and 'sala' (living room), and then use 'andar de cima' to place them. This helps build a spatial map of vocabulary in your mind. Remember that 'andar' is like 'floor' and 'de cima' is like 'of top'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'andar de cima' to give simple directions and describe your daily routine. You might say, 'De manhã, eu desço do andar de cima para tomar o pequeno-almoço.' You are also learning more prepositions, so you can start using 'para o' (to the) and 'do' (from the). You might describe a neighbor's house or a small shop. You will notice that 'andar de cima' is very common in spoken Portuguese and sounds more natural than saying 'o primeiro andar' in a small house. You can also start to contrast it with 'rés-do-chão' (ground floor). At A2, you should be able to understand a simple story where a character goes to the 'andar de cima' to find something. It's also a good time to learn the plural 'andares' even if you don't use it often with 'de cima'. Practice describing your house to a friend: 'A minha casa tem dois andares. No andar de cima, há três quartos.'

At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with the nuances of the phrase. You can use 'andar de cima' in more complex sentences involving subordinate clauses. For example: 'Acho que o barulho que ouvimos vem do andar de cima.' You are also introduced to the idiomatic uses, such as the humorous 'não regular bem do andar de cima'. You should be able to compare different living arrangements, discussing the pros and cons of living on the 'andar de cima' (like having a better view or more privacy) versus the 'andar de baixo' (easier access). In a B1 context, you might encounter this phrase in real estate advertisements or when reading short news articles about housing. You will also start to distinguish it from more formal terms like 'piso superior' or 'pavimento'. You can use it to describe office layouts or shopping mall directions with more confidence. Your ability to use the correct contractions (no, do, para o) should be consistent at this level.

At the B2 level, you can use 'andar de cima' in abstract and professional contexts. You might discuss architectural trends, such as the 'open space' concept on the 'andar de cima' of modern villas. You are expected to understand the term in various dialects, noting that while the phrase is universal, the buildings it describes (like the Brazilian 'sobrado') might differ. You can use it to describe more complex spatial relationships, such as 'O andar de cima é ligeiramente mais pequeno devido à inclinação do telhado.' You should also be able to handle more sophisticated grammar, like using it in the passive voice: 'O andar de cima foi totalmente remodelado no ano passado.' At this level, you can also use it metaphorically in business to talk about upper management, though 'direção' is more common. You are comfortable using synonyms like 'piso superior' when the situation requires a more formal tone, but you know that 'andar de cima' remains the warmer, more domestic choice.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of using 'andar de cima'. You might encounter it in high-level literature where it is used to create atmosphere or symbolize a character's internal state. You can analyze how authors like Eça de Queirós might use the 'andar de cima' to represent the private, often hidden, lives of the 19th-century bourgeoisie. You are aware of the subtle differences in meaning when the phrase is used in different Lusophone countries. In a C1 discussion, you could argue about urban planning and the use of the 'andar de cima' for residential vs. commercial purposes in historic city centers. You can use the phrase with precision in complex hypothetical scenarios: 'Caso o andar de cima não tivesse sido reforçado, a estrutura poderia ter cedido.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to use related terms like 'trapeira', 'claraboia', and 'platibanda' to describe features found on the 'andar de cima'.

At the C2 level, you use 'andar de cima' with the same ease and flexibility as a native speaker. You can use it in academic papers on architecture or sociology to describe the domestic geography of Portuguese-speaking societies. You are familiar with technical jargon and can explain why 'andar de cima' is used in certain legal documents to define property boundaries in 'propriedade horizontal'. You can engage in complex puns or wordplay involving the phrase. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its relation to Latin roots. You can write sophisticated prose where the 'andar de cima' is a central motif. Your mastery extends to the most obscure idiomatic expressions and regional variations. You can seamlessly switch between 'andar de cima', 'piso superior', and 'cota elevada' depending on the precise communicative need, always choosing the one that carries the exact right connotation and register.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

andar de cima in 30 Seconds

Refers to the upstairs or upper floor of a building.
Used naturally in daily conversation instead of formal terms.
Commonly paired with prepositions like 'no', 'do', and 'para'.
Can also be used metaphorically to refer to a person's head.

The Portuguese term andar de cima is a compound noun phrase that literally translates to "the floor of above." In everyday English, we simply call this the "upstairs." It is one of the most fundamental spatial descriptors used in residential and commercial Portuguese, particularly in the context of multi-story buildings, houses, and duplex apartments. While formal documents might use the term piso superior, the phrase andar de cima is the preferred choice for natural, spoken conversation among native speakers in both Portugal and Brazil. It conveys a sense of domesticity and immediate physical relationship to the speaker's current location.

Physical Space: It refers to any level located above the ground floor or the current floor where the speaker is standing. In a standard two-story house, it almost always refers to the level where the bedrooms are located.

Os quartos das crianças ficam todos no andar de cima.

The word andar itself is fascinating because it functions as both a verb (to walk) and a noun (a floor or story of a building). When we add the prepositional phrase de cima, we are specifying the vertical orientation. This is crucial in Portuguese architecture, where the rés-do-chão (ground floor) in Portugal or térreo in Brazil often serves a different purpose than the andar de cima. Historically, in many Mediterranean-style buildings, the ground floor was used for commerce or storage, while the family lived in the more private and better-ventilated upper levels.

Social Context: Using this phrase implies a certain level of familiarity with the building's layout. It is commonly used when giving tours of a home, discussing renovations, or simply looking for someone in a house.

Podes levar estas toalhas para o andar de cima, por favor?

Culturally, the "upstairs" often represents the private sphere of the home. When a guest is invited to the andar de cima, it usually signifies a deeper level of trust, as they are entering the area of bedrooms and private bathrooms. In business contexts, the andar de cima might refer to the executive offices if they are located on a higher floor than the general workspace. Furthermore, the term has found its way into idiomatic expressions. For example, if someone says someone "não regula bem do andar de cima," they are jokingly implying that the person's "upper floor" (their head or brain) isn't working quite right. This metaphorical use highlights how deeply ingrained the concept of vertical hierarchy is in the Portuguese language.

Grammatical Note: Notice the use of the preposition 'de'. Unlike English which uses 'upstairs' as an adverb or adjective, Portuguese treats it as a noun phrase. You almost always see it preceded by a contraction like 'no' (em + o) or 'do' (de + o).

A vista do andar de cima é muito mais bonita do que a de baixo.

Nós decidimos transformar o andar de cima num escritório completo.

Using andar de cima correctly involves understanding how it interacts with prepositions of place and movement. In Portuguese, location is typically expressed with the preposition em (in/on/at), which contracts with the definite article o to become no. Therefore, to say something is "upstairs," you say no andar de cima. If you are moving towards the upstairs, you use the preposition para or a, resulting in para o andar de cima or ao andar de cima.

Static Location: Used with verbs like 'estar' (to be), 'ficar' (to be located), or 'morar' (to live).

Onde está a Maria? Ela está no andar de cima a estudar.

When describing the origin of something, the preposition de (from/of) is used, contracting to do. This is common when talking about noises, leaks, or views coming from the upper floor. For instance, if you hear footsteps above you in an apartment building, you would refer to the vizinho do andar de cima (the neighbor from the floor above). This construction is very productive in Portuguese and is used much more frequently than the English "upstairs neighbor."

Movement and Direction: Used with verbs of motion like 'subir' (to go up), 'levar' (to take), or 'mudar-se' (to move).

Vou subir para o andar de cima para ir buscar um casaco.

Another important aspect is how it contrasts with andar de baixo (downstairs). In many conversations, these two terms are used in tandem to describe the distribution of rooms or activities within a house. You might say, "A cozinha é no andar de baixo, mas a sala de estar é no andar de cima." This clear binary makes it very easy for learners to organize their spatial vocabulary. It's also worth noting that in buildings with many floors, andar de cima usually refers to the floor immediately above the current one, rather than the top floor of the entire building (which would be the último andar).

Pluralization: While rare, you can pluralize it to 'andares de cima' if referring to multiple upper levels in a very large mansion or complex.

O barulho vem do andar de cima; acho que os vizinhos estão a fazer obras.

In more formal or architectural contexts, you might see andar superior. However, using andar de cima in a formal setting isn't necessarily a mistake; it just sounds more personal and less technical. For example, a real estate agent showing a house will likely use andar de cima to make the house feel more like a home. In contrast, a structural engineer's report would almost certainly use piso superior or cota superior. As a learner, sticking to andar de cima will make your Portuguese sound authentic and approachable.

A varanda do andar de cima tem uma vista incrível para o mar.

You will encounter the phrase andar de cima in a variety of everyday situations, ranging from domestic life to commercial interactions. Its most common habitat is, unsurprisingly, within the home. Parents often yell to their children, "Vão brincar para o andar de cima!" (Go play upstairs!) when they want some peace and quiet in the living room. It is the standard way to divide the geography of a household. If you are staying at a friend's house or a local guesthouse (Pensio/Alojamento Local) in Portugal, your host might tell you, "O seu quarto fica no andar de cima, à direita."

In Apartment Buildings: This is where the term becomes essential for navigating neighborly relations. Complaining about the 'vizinho do andar de cima' is a common trope in Portuguese and Brazilian culture.

O vizinho do andar de cima costuma ouvir música muito alta à noite.

In the retail sector, particularly in larger stores or older shopping centers that aren't divided into clearly numbered floors, you might ask a clerk where a specific department is. They might respond, "A secção de roupa de homem fica no andar de cima." This is especially common in family-owned department stores or traditional shops in city centers like Lisbon's Baixa or São Paulo's Centro. It’s a way of simplifying directions without needing to reference a directory or elevator buttons.

In Literature and Media: Authors often use the 'andar de cima' as a setting for mystery or romance, creating a physical separation between characters.

No filme, o segredo estava escondido numa caixa no andar de cima.

Beyond the physical, you might hear this in slightly more abstract ways. In older office buildings, the "management" is often referred to as being on the andar de cima, even if they are actually three floors up. It functions as a shorthand for "higher up in the hierarchy." In some religious or spiritual contexts, though less common, o andar de cima might be used euphemistically to refer to heaven or the afterlife, similar to how English speakers might say someone is "looking down from above." However, this is quite informal and often used with a touch of humor or lightheartedness. In summary, whether you are dealing with a leak in your ceiling, looking for the bathroom in a restaurant, or complaining about noisy neighbors, andar de cima is the phrase you will hear and use most.

Hotels and Tourism: Receptionists use it to guide guests to breakfast areas or gyms that aren't on the main lobby level.

O pequeno-almoço é servido no terraço, no andar de cima.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when trying to say "upstairs" in Portuguese is treating it as an adverb, just like in English. In English, you can say "I am going upstairs." In Portuguese, you cannot simply say "Eu vou andar de cima." You must include the article and the preposition: "Eu vou para o andar de cima." Omitting the para o or no makes the sentence grammatically incomplete and confusing to native ears.

Mistake: Adverbial Use: English: 'He is upstairs.' -> Incorrect Portuguese: 'Ele é andar de cima.' -> Correct: 'Ele está no andar de cima.'

Não diga 'o quarto é andar de cima'; diga 'o quarto é no andar de cima'.

Another common error is confusing andar de cima with em cima. While em cima means "on top of" or simply "above," it is an adverb of place and doesn't refer to a specific floor of a house. If you say "O livro está em cima," it means the book is on top of something (like a table). If you say "O livro está no andar de cima," it means the book is somewhere on the upper floor. Learners often mix these up, leading to sentences like "Moro em cima," which sounds like you are living on the roof rather than on the second floor.

Confusion with 'Primeiro Andar': In many countries, the 'first floor' is the ground floor. In Portugal, the 'primeiro andar' is the first floor ABOVE the ground floor. Using 'andar de cima' avoids this confusion entirely.

Cuidado: 'em cima' indica posição relativa, enquanto 'andar de cima' indica uma localização estrutural.

Finally, watch out for the verb andar. Because andar also means "to walk," beginners sometimes try to use the phrase to describe the action of walking upwards. They might say "Estou a andar de cima" thinking it means "I am walking upstairs." This is incorrect. To describe the action, you should use the verb subir (to go up/climb). The correct way to express that action is "Estou a subir as escadas" or "Estou a subir para o andar de cima." Keeping the noun and the verb separate in your mind is key to mastering this phrase.

Preposition Errors: Using 'da cima' instead of 'de cima' is a minor gender agreement error often made by beginners. Since 'cima' is a noun/adverb that doesn't change gender here, 'de' is fixed.

Erro comum: 'Eu vou a andar de cima'. Correto: 'Eu vou para o andar de cima'.

While andar de cima is the most common way to say "upstairs," Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of building. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct formal equivalent is piso superior. This is what you will see on elevator buttons, architectural plans, and official signage in malls or office buildings.

Piso Superior: More formal than 'andar de cima'. Used in technical contexts, hotels, and public buildings. 'Piso' is the standard term for 'floor' in Portugal.

Por favor, dirija-se ao piso superior para o check-in.

In Brazil, the word pavimento is often used in a similar way to piso or andar, especially in construction. You might hear segundo pavimento instead of andar de cima. Another specifically Brazilian term is sobrado. While sobrado refers to the entire house, it implies that there is an "upstairs." If you say "Eu moro num sobrado," everyone knows your house has an andar de cima.

Sobreloja: A specific term for a mezzanine or a floor located directly above a shop. Common in commercial urban areas.

A sapataria tem um stock maior na sobreloja.

If you are referring to the very top floor of a building, especially if it has a terrace or is a luxury apartment, the term cobertura (Brazil) or piso recuado / cobertura (Portugal) is used. This is much more specific than andar de cima. Additionally, for the attic space that has been converted into a living area, Portuguese uses sótão. While a sótão is technically an upstairs floor, it has its own specific name because of its location under the roof. Finally, mansarda is a more poetic or architectural term for an attic room with sloped walls, often seen in older European-style buildings.

Summary of Alternatives: - Piso superior (Formal/Public) - Segundo andar (Specific numbering) - Sótão (Attic) - Cobertura (Penthouse/Top floor)

O escritório não é no sótão, é apenas no andar de cima normal.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The use of 'andar' for floors comes from the idea of the space where one 'walks' within a building level. It's a very physical way of naming architecture.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ̃ˈdaɾ dɨ ˈsi.mɐ/

US /ɐ̃ˈdaʁ dʒi ˈsi.mɐ/

Primary stress on 'dar' and 'si'.

Rhymes With

Lugar de cima Pomar de cima Olhar de cima Caminhar de cima Estar de cima Ficar de cima Passar de cima Andar de lima

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'de' like English 'day'.
Failing to nasalize the first 'a' in 'andar'.
Pronouncing 'cima' with a 'k' sound (it should be 's').
Over-emphasizing the final 'a' in 'cima' (it should be short and neutral).
Treating 'andar' and 'de cima' as one single word with only one stress point.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'andar' and 'cima'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of contractions (no, do, para o).

Speaking 2/5

Very common and useful for daily life.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Andar Cima Casa Escada Quarto

Learn Next

Andar de baixo Rés-do-chão Sótão Cave Piso

Advanced

Propriedade horizontal Cota de soleira Pé-direito Mezanino

Grammar to Know

Contraction of 'em' + 'o'

em + o = no andar de cima

Contraction of 'de' + 'o'

de + o = do andar de cima

Contraction of 'para' + 'o'

para + o = para o andar de cima

Contraction of 'a' + 'o'

a + o = ao andar de cima

Placement of adjectives with compound nouns

O grande andar de cima vs O andar de cima grande

Examples by Level

O meu quarto é no andar de cima.

My bedroom is upstairs.

Uses 'no' (em + o) to show location.

Onde fica a casa de banho? Fica no andar de cima.

Where is the bathroom? It's upstairs.

Verb 'ficar' is used for permanent location.

Eu vou para o andar de cima.

I am going upstairs.

Uses 'para o' to show movement towards a destination.

O gato está no andar de cima.

The cat is upstairs.

Simple subject-verb-location structure.

A sala é aqui, mas os quartos são no andar de cima.

The living room is here, but the bedrooms are upstairs.

Contrast between 'aqui' and 'no andar de cima'.

Podes subir ao andar de cima?

Can you go upstairs?

Verb 'subir' combined with 'ao' (a + o).

A janela do andar de cima está aberta.

The upstairs window is open.

Uses 'do' (de + o) to show possession/origin.

Não há ninguém no andar de cima.

There is no one upstairs.

Uses the existential 'há' (there is).

Nós moramos no andar de cima deste prédio.

We live on the top floor of this building.

Verb 'morar' (to live).

O barulho vem do andar de cima.

The noise is coming from upstairs.

Verb 'vir' (to come) + 'do'.

Levei as malas para o andar de cima.

I took the suitcases upstairs.

Past tense of 'levar'.

A vista do andar de cima é muito melhor.

The view from upstairs is much better.

Comparative 'melhor'.

O escritório fica no andar de cima, ao lado da escada.

The office is upstairs, next to the stairs.

Prepositional phrase 'ao lado de'.

Eles estão a pintar o andar de cima da casa.

They are painting the upstairs of the house.

Present continuous 'estão a pintar'.

Preciso de ir ao andar de cima buscar o meu telemóvel.

I need to go upstairs to get my phone.

Verb 'precisar de' + infinitive.

O andar de cima tem três janelas grandes.

The upstairs has three large windows.

Verb 'ter' (to have).

O vizinho do andar de cima faz sempre muito barulho.

The upstairs neighbor always makes a lot of noise.

Noun phrase 'vizinho do andar de cima'.

Gostaria de ter um terraço no andar de cima.

I would like to have a terrace upstairs.

Conditional 'gostaria'.

A infiltração parece vir da casa de banho do andar de cima.

The leak seems to be coming from the upstairs bathroom.

Verb 'parecer' (to seem).

Diz-lhe que estou no andar de cima a descansar um pouco.

Tell him I'm upstairs resting for a bit.

Imperative 'diz-lhe'.

O andar de cima desta loja é dedicado a artigos para a casa.

The upstairs of this store is dedicated to home goods.

Passive-like construction 'é dedicado a'.

Sempre que chove, ouço as gotas a bater no telhado do andar de cima.

Whenever it rains, I hear the drops hitting the roof of the upstairs.

Conjunction 'sempre que'.

O acesso ao andar de cima é feito por uma escada em caracol.

Access to the upstairs is via a spiral staircase.

Noun 'acesso' + 'ao'.

Ele não deve estar bem do andar de cima para dizer tais coisas.

He must not be right in the head to say such things.

Idiomatic usage of 'andar de cima' for 'head'.

A planta original previa uma varanda maior no andar de cima.

The original plan called for a larger balcony upstairs.

Imperfect tense 'previa'.

Devido ao calor, o andar de cima torna-se insuportável no verão.

Due to the heat, the upstairs becomes unbearable in the summer.

Pronominal verb 'tornar-se'.

A estrutura do andar de cima foi reforçada com vigas de aço.

The upstairs structure was reinforced with steel beams.

Passive voice 'foi reforçada'.

O andar de cima é composto por uma suite e dois quartos simples.

The upstairs consists of a suite and two simple bedrooms.

Phrase 'é composto por'.

Não vale a pena subir ao andar de cima, as luzes estão fundidas.

It's not worth going upstairs; the lights are blown.

Expression 'não vale a pena'.

O proprietário decidiu arrendar apenas o andar de cima da moradia.

The owner decided to rent out only the upstairs of the villa.

Verb 'arrendar' (to rent out).

Houve uma queixa formal contra o inquilino do andar de cima.

There was a formal complaint against the upstairs tenant.

Preposition 'contra' (against).

A luz que entra pelas janelas do andar de cima ilumina toda a escadaria.

The light coming through the upstairs windows illuminates the entire staircase.

Relative clause 'que entra'.

A narrativa decorre quase inteiramente no claustrofóbico andar de cima da mansão.

The narrative takes place almost entirely on the mansion's claustrophobic upper floor.

Adjective placement 'claustrofóbico andar de cima'.

O andar de cima, outrora vibrante, jaz agora num silêncio poeirento.

The upstairs, once vibrant, now lies in a dusty silence.

Literary verb 'jazer'.

A distinção social era marcada pelo acesso restrito ao andar de cima.

Social distinction was marked by restricted access to the upstairs.

Noun 'distinção' and 'acesso restrito'.

O projeto arquitetónico privilegia a ventilação cruzada no andar de cima.

The architectural project prioritizes cross-ventilation on the upper floor.

Technical verb 'privilegiar'.

Embora o andar de cima seja mais quente, é lá que encontro a minha paz.

Although the upstairs is warmer, it is there that I find my peace.

Subjunctive 'seja' after 'embora'.

A humidade proveniente do andar de cima comprometeu a pintura do teto.

The moisture coming from upstairs compromised the ceiling paint.

Participle 'proveniente'.

O sótão foi integrado no andar de cima através de uma remodelação audaz.

The attic was integrated into the upper floor through a bold renovation.

Phrase 'através de'.

A disposição dos móveis no andar de cima reflete o gosto eclético da família.

The arrangement of furniture upstairs reflects the family's eclectic taste.

Noun 'disposição'.

A dicotomia entre o rés-do-chão comercial e o andar de cima residencial define a urbanística pombalina.

The dichotomy between the commercial ground floor and the residential upper floor defines Pombaline urbanism.

Academic vocabulary 'dicotomia', 'urbanística'.

Subjacente à escolha do andar de cima para o atelier estava a busca pela luz zenital.

Underlying the choice of the upper floor for the studio was the search for zenithal light.

Complex sentence structure with 'subjacente'.

A porosidade entre o andar de cima e o terraço dilui as fronteiras entre interior e exterior.

The porosity between the upstairs and the terrace blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior.

Abstract concept 'porosidade'.

O andar de cima funciona como um refúgio introspectivo face à agitação da rua.

The upstairs functions as an introspective refuge from the street's bustle.

Prepositional phrase 'face à'.

A reconfiguração do andar de cima exigiu um estudo aprofundado da carga estrutural.

The reconfiguration of the upper floor required an in-depth study of the structural load.

Noun 'reconfiguração'.

O andar de cima, em virtude da sua elevação, beneficia de uma brisa constante.

The upstairs, by virtue of its elevation, benefits from a constant breeze.

Formal phrase 'em virtude de'.

A sucessão de divisões no andar de cima evoca a arquitetura palaciana do século XVIII.

The succession of rooms upstairs evokes 18th-century palatial architecture.

Verb 'evocar'.

A impermeabilização do andar de cima é crucial para a preservação do imóvel.

Waterproofing the upper floor is crucial for the property's preservation.

Technical noun 'impermeabilização'.

Synonyms

Piso superior Primeiro andar Pavimento superior Sobrado Sobreloja Sótão Andar de cima (slang) Cota superior

Antonyms

Andar de baixo Rés-do-chão Térreo Cave

Common Collocations

No andar de cima

Do andar de cima

Para o andar de cima

Vizinho do andar de cima

Quartos no andar de cima

Subir ao andar de cima

Janela do andar de cima

Luz do andar de cima

Varanda do andar de cima

Limpar o andar de cima

Common Phrases

Lá no andar de cima

— Up there on the upper floor. Often used when pointing.

Os documentos estão lá no andar de cima.

Vem do andar de cima

— Originating from the upper level, often said about sounds.

Este cheiro a queimado vem do andar de cima.

Tudo no andar de cima

— Everything is located on the upper floor.

Nesta casa, os quartos ficam tudo no andar de cima.

Subir para o andar de cima

— The act of going to the upper level.

Vou subir para o andar de cima para dormir.

Descer do andar de cima

— The act of coming down from the upper level.

Ela acabou de descer do andar de cima.

A vista do andar de cima

— The view one gets from the windows of the upper floor.

A vista do andar de cima é fenomenal.

Ocupar o andar de cima

— To live in or use the upper floor of a building.

Eles ocupam o andar de cima e nós o de baixo.

Reformar o andar de cima

— To renovate or remodel the upper level.

Estamos a pensar reformar o andar de cima no próximo ano.

Acesso pelo andar de cima

— The entrance or way in is via the upper level.

O acesso ao terraço é pelo andar de cima.

Viver no andar de cima

— To reside on the upper floor.

É difícil viver no andar de cima sem elevador.

Often Confused With

andar de cima vs Em cima

Means 'on top' or 'above' (relative position), while 'andar de cima' is a specific floor.

andar de cima vs Acima

Means 'higher than' or 'above' in a general sense.

andar de cima vs Sótão

Specifically the attic, which is an upstairs room but not necessarily the whole floor.

Idioms & Expressions

"Não regular bem do andar de cima"

— To be a bit crazy or not thinking clearly. Metaphorical use of 'upstairs' for the brain.

Aquele gajo não regula bem do andar de cima.

Informal/Slang

"Estar com o andar de cima desabitado"

— Literally 'to have the upstairs uninhabited'. Means to be empty-headed or stupid.

Às vezes parece que ele está com o andar de cima desabitado.

Slang

"Pôr o andar de cima a funcionar"

— To start thinking or using one's brain.

Vê se pões o andar de cima a funcionar e resolve isto!

Informal

"O andar de cima manda"

— Can refer to management or, humorously, to God/fate.

Infelizmente, o andar de cima manda e nós obedecemos.

Colloquial

"Barulho no andar de cima"

— Can mean a headache or mental confusion.

Estou com um barulho no andar de cima que nem te conto.

Informal

"Mudar-se para o andar de cima"

— A very rare and soft euphemism for dying (going to heaven).

O velhinho mudou-se para o andar de cima ontem.

Euphemistic

"Ter goteiras no andar de cima"

— Another way to say someone is crazy or has 'leaks' in their brain.

Cuidado com ela, tem goteiras no andar de cima.

Slang

"Arrendar o andar de cima"

— Can be used as a joke for letting someone 'live in your head' or influence you.

Não deixes que ele arrende o teu andar de cima.

Informal

"Luzes acesas no andar de cima"

— To be alert and intelligent.

Ele tem as luzes todas acesas no andar de cima.

Informal

"Varrer o andar de cima"

— To clear one's head or rethink a situation.

Preciso de varrer o andar de cima antes de decidir.

Informal

Easily Confused

andar de cima vs Piso

Both mean 'floor'.

'Piso' is more formal or technical, whereas 'andar' is more common for residential buildings.

Este prédio tem dez pisos.

andar de cima vs Chão

Both relate to where you stand.

'Chão' is the ground/floor surface you walk on; 'andar' is the level of the building.

O chão está sujo.

andar de cima vs Térreo

Both are floors.

'Térreo' is the ground floor (Brazil); 'andar de cima' is the floor above.

O elevador parou no térreo.

andar de cima vs Sobrado

Relates to upper floors.

'Sobrado' is the whole house type; 'andar de cima' is just the floor.

Eu moro num sobrado.

andar de cima vs Escada

Used to get there.

'Escada' is the staircase; 'andar de cima' is the destination.

Sobe a escada.

Sentence Patterns

O [noun] é no andar de cima.

O quarto é no andar de cima.

Vou [verb] para o andar de cima.

Vou subir para o andar de cima.

O barulho [verb] do andar de cima.

O barulho vem do andar de cima.

A vista do andar de cima é [adjective].

A vista do andar de cima é deslumbrante.

O andar de cima [verb] por [noun].

O andar de cima é composto por três divisões.

Em virtude de [noun], o andar de cima [verb].

Em virtude da luz, o andar de cima é o melhor local.

Não há [noun] no andar de cima.

Não há água no andar de cima.

Quem está no andar de cima?

Quem está no andar de cima a gritar?

Word Family

Nouns

Andar (floor/walk)

Andamento (progress)

Andança (wandering)

Andaimo (scaffolding)

Verbs

Andar (to walk/go)

Adiantar (to move forward)

Desandar (to go backward/fail)

Adjectives

Andante (walking/moving)

Andadeiro (easy to walk in)

Andar de baixo

Andar térreo

Rés-do-chão

Escadaria

Piso

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Eu moro andar de cima. → Eu moro no andar de cima.
You need the preposition 'no' (em + o) to indicate location.
O quarto fica em cima. → O quarto fica no andar de cima.
'Em cima' means 'on top of something'. 'No andar de cima' refers to the floor.
Vou para andar de cima. → Vou para o andar de cima.
You must include the definite article 'o'.
O barulho vem da andar de cima. → O barulho vem do andar de cima.
'Andar' is masculine, so 'de + o' becomes 'do', not 'da'.
Estou a andar de cima. → Estou a subir para o andar de cima.
You cannot use the verb 'andar' (to walk) to mean 'going upstairs'. Use 'subir'.

Tips

Use contractions

Always remember to contract 'em', 'de', or 'para' with 'o'. Never say 'em o andar de cima'.

Learn the opposite

Learning 'andar de baixo' at the same time will help fix the concept in your memory.

Nasalize the 'an'

The first syllable of 'andar' is nasal. Practice by saying 'an' like in 'fan' but through your nose.

Think of the house

Associate 'andar de cima' with the private rooms of a house (bedrooms, bathrooms).

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, the ground floor is 'rés-do-chão'. In Brazil, it is 'térreo'. 'Andar de cima' works for both!

Mind the head

If someone talks about the 'andar de cima' in a conversation about a person's behavior, they mean the brain.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'piso superior' on a sign, but 'andar de cima' when talking to a guest.

Verb pairing

Pair it with 'subir' (to go up) or 'descer' (to come down).

Mental Map

When you enter a building, mentally label the floors to practice.

Don't use as adverb

Remember: 'He is upstairs' is 'Ele está NO andar de cima', not 'Ele está andar de cima'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Andar' as 'Under' (ironically) and 'Cima' as 'Ceiling'. The 'Andar de Cima' is the floor near the ceiling!

Visual Association

Visualize a pair of shoes (Andar/walking) sitting on a cloud (Cima/high up).

Word Web

Escadas Quartos Telhado Vista Varanda Sótão Teto Subir

Challenge

Try to describe your dream house using 'andar de cima' at least three times in different contexts (location, movement, origin).

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese noun 'andar' (floor) and the prepositional phrase 'de cima' (of top/above). 'Andar' comes from the Vulgar Latin 'ambitare', meaning to go around. 'Cima' comes from the Latin 'cyma', meaning the young sprout of a plant or the top.

Original meaning: The walking level situated at the summit.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that in very formal architectural settings, 'piso superior' is preferred.

Similar to the English concept of 'upstairs', but Portuguese uses it as a noun phrase rather than an adverb.

The Brazilian TV show 'A Diarista' often featured jokes about the 'vizinho do andar de cima'. Fado songs sometimes mention the 'janela do andar de cima' as a place for longing. Machado de Assis uses vertical domestic space to show social hierarchy in his novels.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

Está no andar de cima.
Vai ao andar de cima.
Limpa o andar de cima.
O andar de cima é quente.

Real Estate

Tem andar de cima?
O andar de cima é amplo.
Vista do andar de cima.
Acesso ao andar de cima.

Shopping

Fica no andar de cima.
Suba ao andar de cima.
Loja no andar de cima.
Escadas para o andar de cima.

Complaining about Neighbors

O vizinho do andar de cima.
Barulho do andar de cima.
Obras no andar de cima.
Festa no andar de cima.

Giving Directions

Suba para o andar de cima.
É a primeira porta no andar de cima.
Fica logo no andar de cima.
Vá pelo andar de cima.

Conversation Starters

"A tua casa tem um andar de cima ou é só um piso?"

"Preferes ter o teu quarto no andar de cima ou no de baixo?"

"Já tiveste problemas com o barulho do vizinho do andar de cima?"

"Como é a vista das janelas do teu andar de cima?"

"O que é que guardas no teu andar de cima?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve como seria o teu andar de cima ideal se fosses arquiteto.

Escreve sobre uma memória de infância que aconteceu no andar de cima da tua casa.

Imagina que ouves um barulho estranho no andar de cima à noite. O que fazes?

Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens de viver no andar de cima de um prédio?

Descreve a decoração do andar de cima da casa onde vives atualmente.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. It means the floor above the one you are currently on. In a two-story house, it is the second floor. In a skyscraper, if you are on the 10th floor, the 11th floor is the 'andar de cima' for you.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is always 'andar de cima'. The 'de' links the noun to the adverbial of place.

Yes, it is widely used in Brazil, although Brazilians also frequently use 'piso de cima' or 'parte de cima'.

The opposite is 'andar de baixo'. For example: 'A cozinha é no andar de baixo'.

In Portugal, 'primeiro andar' is the first level above the ground. If a house only has two levels, 'primeiro andar' and 'andar de cima' refer to the same thing. However, 'andar de cima' is more colloquial.

Yes, 'andares de cima' can be used if you are referring to multiple levels above you, though it is less common.

It is always 'no' because 'andar' is a masculine noun (o andar).

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use it to refer to the floor above your office level.

Yes, it can refer to someone's head or sanity, as in 'ele não está bem do andar de cima' (he's not right in the head).

Neither is 'better', but 'piso superior' is more formal. Use 'andar de cima' for friends and family, and 'piso superior' for business or signs.