tener la mente nublada
Lemma Details
Translation: to have a clouded mind; to be confused; to have foggy thinking; to be mentally unclear
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'tener' (to have), 'la mente' (the mind), and 'nublada' (clouded/foggy), which comes from 'nube' (cloud). The metaphorical expression draws on the imagery of clouds obscuring clear vision, applied to mental clarity. The English cognate 'nebulous' shares the same Latin root 'nebula' (mist, cloud) as the Spanish 'nublada'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Después de trabajar dieciséis horas seguidas, tenía la mente nublada y no podía tomar decisiones.
After working sixteen hours straight, I had a clouded mind and couldn't make decisions.
El estrés de los exámenes le tiene la mente nublada.
The stress from exams has his mind clouded.
Cuando tienes la mente nublada, es mejor no tomar decisiones importantes.
When you have a clouded mind, it's better not to make important decisions.
Mnemonics
- Think of clouds ('nubes') blocking the sun, just as confusion blocks clear thinking
- Visualize a foggy day where you can't see clearly, similar to how a clouded mind can't think clearly
- Connect 'nublada' with the English 'nebulous' (vague, cloudy, unclear)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to describe temporary mental confusion or inability to think clearly, often due to stress, tiredness, or emotional distress. It's used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both phrases use cloud imagery, 'tener la mente nublada' refers to confusion or unclear thinking, whereas 'tener la cabeza en las nubes' means to be daydreaming or not paying attention to reality.
Notes: Both expressions use cloud imagery but for different mental states: one for impaired thinking and the other for distracted thinking.
Mnemonic: 'Nublada' suggests obscured vision (confusion), while 'en las nubes' suggests being above reality (daydreaming).