Significado
To be distracted or lost in thought, not paying attention.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, you might hear 'estar empanado' as a very informal synonym. It literally means to be breaded like a cutlet, but it describes the same 'spaced out' feeling. In Mexico, 'estar en el avión' (to be on the plane) is sometimes used similarly to mean someone is distracted or not following the conversation. The phrase is universally understood and used in telenovelas to describe romantic characters who are constantly daydreaming about their love interest.
The 'En' Rule
Always use 'en' for location. If your mind is 'located' in the clouds, use 'en'.
Price Trap
Never use this for prices. You will confuse people into thinking the price is daydreaming!
Significado
To be distracted or lost in thought, not paying attention.
The 'En' Rule
Always use 'en' for location. If your mind is 'located' in the clouds, use 'en'.
Price Trap
Never use this for prices. You will confuse people into thinking the price is daydreaming!
Teste-se
Choose the correct verb for the idiom.
Hoy yo _______ en las nubes.
Idioms describing states use 'estar'.
Complete the phrase.
No me escuchas, siempre estás en las _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'nubes' (clouds).
Which situation fits 'estar en las nubes'?
Select the best context:
This represents being distracted.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué piensas del plan? B: Perdona, no sé de qué hablas. _______.
'Por las nubes' would mean the person is expensive!
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to use 'Estar en las nubes'
Situations
- • Classroom
- • Meetings
- • Dates
- • Walking
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosHoy yo _______ en las nubes.
Idioms describing states use 'estar'.
No me escuchas, siempre estás en las _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'nubes' (clouds).
Select the best context:
This represents being distracted.
A: ¿Qué piensas del plan? B: Perdona, no sé de qué hablas. _______.
'Por las nubes' would mean the person is expensive!
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
3 perguntasNo, that's not a standard idiom. Use 'Tengo la cabeza en las nubes' instead.
It depends on the tone. Between friends, it's a light joke. To a boss, it might be seen as disrespectful.
Yes, it is the closest Spanish equivalent to the English concept of daydreaming.
Frases relacionadas
Estar por las nubes
contrastTo be very expensive.
Bajar a alguien a la tierra
contrastTo bring someone back to reality.
Estar en Babia
synonymTo be distracted / absent-minded.
