Meaning
To be extremely happy.
Cultural Background
The number nine is significant in Slovenian folklore, often representing the 'end' or 'limit' of the world, as seen in the mythical 'deveta dežela' (ninth land). Many neighboring Slavic countries also use 'nine' instead of 'seven,' showing a shared regional cosmological heritage. The term 'nebesa' is inherently plural in Slovenian, reflecting the theological idea of multiple levels of paradise. Slovenian pop songs frequently use this idiom to describe the euphoria of summer loves or mountain climbing achievements.
Remember the Number 9
Just remember that Slovenia is 'better' than English—we have 9 heavens, not just 7!
Don't use 'na'
Never say 'na devetih nebesih'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'v'.
Meaning
To be extremely happy.
Remember the Number 9
Just remember that Slovenia is 'better' than English—we have 9 heavens, not just 7!
Don't use 'na'
Never say 'na devetih nebesih'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'v'.
Use with 'biti'
This idiom is almost always used with the verb 'biti'. It describes a state, not an action.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ko sem zmagal, sem bil v _________ _________.
The preposition 'v' requires the Locative case: 'devetih nebesih'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
In Slovenian, we use 'v' (in) and the locative form 'devetih'.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Match: 1. Izguba ključev, 2. Poroka, 3. Dež na dopustu
A wedding (poroka) is a typical situation for being in 'devetih nebesih'.
Complete the dialogue.
Marko: 'Dobil sem povišico!' Ana: 'Čestitam! Verjetno si zdaj _________.'
Getting a raise (povišica) makes one feel like they are in ninth heaven.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKo sem zmagal, sem bil v _________ _________.
The preposition 'v' requires the Locative case: 'devetih nebesih'.
Choose the correct sentence:
In Slovenian, we use 'v' (in) and the locative form 'devetih'.
Match: 1. Izguba ključev, 2. Poroka, 3. Dež na dopustu
A wedding (poroka) is a typical situation for being in 'devetih nebesih'.
Marko: 'Dobil sem povišico!' Ana: 'Čestitam! Verjetno si zdaj _________.'
Getting a raise (povišica) makes one feel like they are in ninth heaven.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, people will understand you perfectly, but 'devetih' sounds more like a native speaker.
It has religious origins, but today it is used by everyone, regardless of faith, to mean 'very happy.'
Yes, when referring to heaven/paradise, it is a pluralia tantum noun.
It might be a bit too informal. Better to say 'Zelo sem vesel za to priložnost' (I am very happy for this opportunity).
There isn't a direct numerical opposite, but you could say 'biti na tleh' (to be on the floor/ground) for being very sad.
Related Phrases
biti iz sebe od sreče
synonymTo be beside oneself with joy.
sijati od sreče
similarTo beam with happiness.
biti na vrhu sveta
synonymTo be on top of the world.
imeti srečo
contrastTo be lucky.
