estar de olho
to keep an eye on
Littéralement: to be of eye
Use it when you are paying close attention to something you care about or want to buy.
En 15 secondes
- Used to show you are monitoring or watching something closely.
- Combine 'estar' or 'ficar' with 'de olho' + 'em'.
- Perfect for shopping, safety, or showing interest in someone.
Signification
This phrase means you are watching something or someone very closely. It is used when you are interested in buying something, being careful with a child, or even keeping a suspicious eye on someone.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Watching a friend's laptop at a cafe
Pode ir ao banheiro, eu estou de olho no seu computador.
You can go to the bathroom, I'm keeping an eye on your computer.
Waiting for a sale on a new phone
Eu estou de olho naquele celular faz tempo.
I've been keeping an eye on that phone for a long time.
A boss monitoring a project's progress
A diretoria está de olho nos nossos resultados este mês.
The board is keeping an eye on our results this month.
Contexte culturel
In Brazilian culture, being 'esperto' (alert/sharp) is a valued trait. This expression reflects the social importance of staying aware of one's surroundings, whether for safety or to catch a good deal. It is often accompanied by a gesture of pointing to one's eye with an index finger.
The Finger Point
If you want to look like a local, pull down the skin just below your eye with your index finger while saying this. It adds extra emphasis!
Don't forget the 'Em'
Always remember that 'de olho' needs the preposition 'em' if you mention the object. 'Estou de olho o carro' is wrong; it must be 'no carro'.
En 15 secondes
- Used to show you are monitoring or watching something closely.
- Combine 'estar' or 'ficar' with 'de olho' + 'em'.
- Perfect for shopping, safety, or showing interest in someone.
What It Means
Estar de olho is your go-to phrase for focused attention. It means you are not just looking; you are monitoring. Think of it as having your 'radar' turned on. It is like when you watch a pot of water so it doesn't boil over. You are giving that thing your full mental space.
How To Use It
You use the verb estar (to be) followed by de olho. If you are watching something specific, add the word em (in/on). Remember that em combines with articles. So, you say de olho no (masculine) or de olho na (feminine). It is very flexible and works for people, objects, or situations.
When To Use It
Use it when you are shopping and waiting for a price drop. Use it at a party to tell a friend you are watching their drink. It is perfect for parents at a playground. You can also use it at work. Tell your boss you are de olho on a deadline. It shows you are responsible and alert.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very stiff, academic writing. It is a bit too colorful for a legal contract. Do not use it if you are just glancing at something once. It implies a continuous action. If you use it too intensely with a stranger, it might sound like you are stalking them. Keep it light and contextual!
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very visual and expressive people. The eyes are seen as the primary way to connect with the world. This phrase likely grew from the need to be alert in busy urban environments. It reflects a culture that values being 'esperto' (sharp/clever). Being de olho means you won't be fooled or miss an opportunity.
Common Variations
You might hear ficar de olho. This means 'to stay' or 'to start' keeping an eye on something. Use ficar when you are asking someone for a favor. For example, 'Can you watch my bag?' becomes Pode ficar de olho na minha bolsa?. It sounds more like a temporary task than a state of being.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile but leans toward informal settings. In writing, use it to create a friendly, engaging tone, but switch to 'monitorar' or 'observar' for formal reports.
The Finger Point
If you want to look like a local, pull down the skin just below your eye with your index finger while saying this. It adds extra emphasis!
Don't forget the 'Em'
Always remember that 'de olho' needs the preposition 'em' if you mention the object. 'Estou de olho o carro' is wrong; it must be 'no carro'.
Double Meaning
In Brazil, this can mean both 'I am watching you (suspiciously)' and 'I am interested in you (romantically)'. Context is everything!
Exemples
6Pode ir ao banheiro, eu estou de olho no seu computador.
You can go to the bathroom, I'm keeping an eye on your computer.
A very common favor among friends in public spaces.
Eu estou de olho naquele celular faz tempo.
I've been keeping an eye on that phone for a long time.
Shows desire or intent to purchase.
A diretoria está de olho nos nossos resultados este mês.
The board is keeping an eye on our results this month.
Slightly more serious, implies pressure or high expectations.
O João está de olho na sua irmã!
João has his eye on your sister!
Used here to mean romantic interest or attraction.
Cuidado! A mamãe está de olho em você.
Be careful! Mommy is watching you.
Used for supervision and safety.
Estou de olho nessa sua última fatia de pizza, hein!
I've got my eye on that last slice of pizza of yours, you know!
Playful way to express interest in food.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct contraction to complete the sentence.
Eu estou de olho ___ promoção daquela loja.
Since 'promoção' is a feminine noun, 'em' + 'a' becomes 'na'.
Which verb fits best when asking someone to start watching your luggage?
Você pode ___ de olho na minha mala por um minuto?
'Ficar' is used for temporary actions or requests to 'stay' watching something.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Estar de olho'
Used with close friends about crushes.
Tô de olho!
Everyday talk about shopping or favors.
Tô de olho na promoção.
Workplace monitoring of tasks.
Estamos de olho nos prazos.
Rarely used; 'monitorar' is preferred.
A empresa monitora os dados.
Where to use 'Estar de olho'
Shopping
Watching a price drop
Romance
Checking out a crush
Safety
Watching your bags
Work
Tracking a project
Parenting
Supervising kids
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, but it can also mean being mentally aware of a situation. For example, estar de olho no mercado means tracking market trends.
Yes! If you are de olho on someone at a party, it means you find them attractive. It's a very common way to talk about a crush.
No, olhar is just to look. Estar de olho implies a continuous, focused action or intention.
You would say: Fique de olho no bolo no forno. We use fique (the imperative of ficar) for requests.
Not necessarily, but keep it professional. Saying Estou de olho no projeto shows you are diligent, not casual.
Estar is a current state (I am watching), while ficar often implies a request or a temporary duration (Watch this for a second).
Yes. Eu estava de olho naquela vaga means 'I was keeping an eye on that job opening'.
No, the phrase de olho stays singular even if many people are watching. Nós estamos de olho is correct.
Forgetting the preposition em. You can't say Estou de olho a pizza; you must say Estou de olho na pizza.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in all Lusophone countries, though Brazilians use it very frequently in casual speech.
Expressions liées
Abrir o olho
To watch out or be careful
Dar uma olhada
To take a quick look
Vigiar
To guard or watch closely
Cuidar
To take care of / look after
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement