estar en el séptimo cielo
Lemma Details
Translation: to be in seventh heaven; to be on cloud nine; to be extremely happy
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom has biblical origins, similar to the English equivalent 'seventh heaven'. In medieval cosmology and religious texts, the seventh heaven was considered the highest level of Heaven, where God and the most exalted angels resided. The concept appears in Islamic, Jewish and Christian traditions. The number seven has been considered mystical or perfect in many cultures, representing completion or perfection.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Desde que le propuse matrimonio, María está en el séptimo cielo.
Since I proposed to her, María has been in seventh heaven.
Después de ganar el campeonato, todo el equipo estaba en el séptimo cielo.
After winning the championship, the whole team was on cloud nine.
Cuando me dieron el ascenso, estaba en el séptimo cielo.
When they gave me the promotion, I was in seventh heaven.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'seven' as a lucky number in many cultures, so being in the 'seventh' heaven means you're in the luckiest, happiest place.
- Visualize yourself floating on the highest cloud (the seventh one) to remember this means extreme happiness.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is widely used across Spanish-speaking countries to express extreme happiness or bliss. It's used in similar contexts as the English 'on cloud nine' and is understood by Spanish speakers of all ages and backgrounds.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'estar en las nubes' can sometimes mean being very happy (similar to 'estar en el séptimo cielo'), it more commonly means to be distracted or not paying attention (to have your head in the clouds).
Confused word:
El profesor le regañó por estar en las nubes durante la clase.
The teacher scolded him for having his head in the clouds during class.
Notes: The context usually makes clear which meaning is intended when using 'estar en las nubes'.
Mnemonic: 'Séptimo cielo' always refers to happiness, while 'en las nubes' can mean either happiness or distraction.
Explanation: 'Estar en la luna' means to be distracted or not paying attention, while 'estar en el séptimo cielo' always refers to extreme happiness.
This word:
Desde que se casó, está en el séptimo cielo.
Since getting married, she's been in seventh heaven.
Confused word:
No me escuchaste porque estabas en la luna.
You didn't hear me because you were daydreaming.
Notes: 'Estar en la luna' is never used to express happiness, only distraction.
Mnemonic: Think of 'cielo' (heaven) as positive emotions, while 'luna' (moon) suggests being far away mentally.