Example: Mi hermano siempre está en las nubes durante la clase.
Definition
"Estar en las nubes" is a Spanish expression meaning to be daydreaming or distracted, often not paying attention to one's surroundings. For example, in the phrase 'Mi hermano siempre está en las nubes durante la clase,' it means the brother is frequently lost in thought during class.
Translations
to have one's head in the clouds
met je hoofd in de wolken lopen
estar als núvols
être dans la lune
mit dem Kopf in den Wolken sein
Etymology
The phrase "estar en las nubes" literally translates to 'to be in the clouds' and metaphorically refers to someone whose mind is elsewhere, as if floating above the ground. Its origin is figurative, drawing on the imagery of clouds to represent detachment or absent-mindedness.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Estar en las nubes" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to have one's head in the clouds