estar a orelha em algo
estar one's orelha
Literalmente: to be the ear in something
Use this when you are shamelessly eavesdropping or paying extreme attention to juicy gossip.
Em 15 segundos
- Listening very closely to a conversation.
- Often implies eavesdropping or being nosy.
- Used when you are curious about secrets.
Significado
It means you are listening very intently or eavesdropping on a conversation. You are paying close attention to something being said, often secretly or with great curiosity.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Eavesdropping on neighbors
A vizinha está com a orelha na nossa porta.
The neighbor has her ear to our door.
Listening for office gossip
Estou com a orelha na conversa do chefe.
I'm listening closely to the boss's conversation.
Texting a friend about a drama
Peraí, estou com a orelha em cima do que eles estão a dizer!
Wait, I'm listening intently to what they're saying!
Contexto cultural
In Portugal and Brazil, the ear is culturally linked to gossip and social awareness. The phrase likely stems from the physical act of leaning against thin walls in old apartment buildings to hear neighbors. It reflects a society that values oral communication and the 'grapevine' as a primary source of news.
The 'Glued' Variation
If you want to sound even more native, say 'estar com a orelha colada'. It literally means your ear is glued to the source!
Don't be too creepy
While the phrase is funny, calling someone out for it can be a bit confrontational. Use it playfully with friends.
Em 15 segundos
- Listening very closely to a conversation.
- Often implies eavesdropping or being nosy.
- Used when you are curious about secrets.
What It Means
Imagine you are a human satellite dish. You are leaning in. You are catching every single word. That is estar com a orelha em algo. It is not just hearing. It is active, focused listening. Usually, it implies you are trying to catch a secret. Or maybe you are just very nosy.
How To Use It
You use it with the verb estar. You can also use ficar. It is often followed by em or atento a. You can say estar com a orelha em cima. This means you are practically touching the speaker. It is a very physical idiom. It describes your posture and your focus.
When To Use It
Use it when gossip is happening nearby. Use it when your boss is whispering. It is perfect for a coffee break. You can tell a friend: Estou com a orelha na conversa deles. It shows you are being a bit cheeky. It is great for suspenseful moments. Use it when you are waiting for news.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for general hearing. If you just hear a loud noise, use ouvir. Avoid it in very formal academic writing. It is too descriptive for a legal document. Do not use it if you are actually deaf. That would be a very confusing literal mistake.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture loves a good chat. Small towns have a tradition of mexerico (gossip). The 'ear' is the symbol of social intelligence. If you have a 'good ear', you know everything. This phrase captures the Mediterranean love for storytelling. It is about being part of the social fabric. Even if you are just listening from the side.
Common Variations
You might hear estar com a orelha em pé. This means being alert or suspicious. Like a dog hearing a strange sound. Another one is ficar com a orelha a arder. That is when you think people are talking about you. If your ear 'burns', someone is gossiping! Use orelha colada for extreme eavesdropping. It means your ear is 'glued' to the wall.
Notas de uso
This is a highly idiomatic and informal expression. It is best used in social settings or when describing someone's behavior in a lighthearted way. Avoid in professional emails or formal speeches.
The 'Glued' Variation
If you want to sound even more native, say 'estar com a orelha colada'. It literally means your ear is glued to the source!
Don't be too creepy
While the phrase is funny, calling someone out for it can be a bit confrontational. Use it playfully with friends.
The Burning Ear Myth
In Portugal, if your left ear burns, someone is speaking ill of you. If it's the right, they are saying good things!
Exemplos
6A vizinha está com a orelha na nossa porta.
The neighbor has her ear to our door.
Describes literal and figurative eavesdropping.
Estou com a orelha na conversa do chefe.
I'm listening closely to the boss's conversation.
Used when trying to catch professional secrets.
Peraí, estou com a orelha em cima do que eles estão a dizer!
Wait, I'm listening intently to what they're saying!
Common in fast-paced text updates about tea/drama.
Aquele senhor está com a orelha no nosso café desde que chegámos.
That gentleman has been eavesdropping on our coffee since we arrived.
A funny way to point out a nosy stranger.
Fica com a orelha na rádio para saberes do trânsito.
Keep your ear to the radio to find out about traffic.
A more functional, less 'nosy' use of the phrase.
As crianças estão com a orelha na conversa dos adultos.
The children are listening intently to the adults' conversation.
Shows curiosity in a serious setting.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to say you are eavesdropping on the gossip.
Eu ___ com a orelha na fofoca.
We use the temporary state verb 'estar' because you aren't always eavesdropping (hopefully!).
Which preposition usually follows the phrase when referring to a specific topic?
Ela está com a orelha ___ conversa.
'Na' (em + a) is used to indicate the location or focus of the listening.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Estar com a orelha em'
Very street-level
Tô de orelha!
Perfect for friends and family
Estou com a orelha na conversa.
Standard spoken Portuguese
Ele estava atento, com a orelha no rádio.
Too casual for this level
N/A
Where to use 'Orelha em algo'
At a Cafe
Listening to the table next to you
At Home
Listening through a wall
At Work
Catching rumors by the water cooler
Public Transport
Overhearing a funny argument on the bus
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, both countries use it, though Brazil might favor estar de orelha em pé for being suspicious.
Not really. For music, you'd say estar atento or apreciar. This phrase implies seeking information or gossip.
It describes a rude action (eavesdropping), but the phrase itself is just descriptive and informal.
Ouvir is the physical act of hearing. Estar com a orelha em is the intentional act of trying to hear something specific.
Definitely not. It’s too informal and suggests you might be a gossip!
You would say Sou todo ouvidos. Estar com a orelha em is more about eavesdropping than being a good listener.
Usually, yes. It implies the information wasn't necessarily meant for you to hear clearly.
In this specific idiom, orelha is much more common. Ouvido is used for the internal sense of hearing.
It means to be on high alert or suspicious, like an animal sensing danger. Fiquei com a orelha em pé com aquela história.
Yes, just conjugate estar. For example: Eu estava com a orelha na conversa.
Frases relacionadas
Sou todo ouvidos (I'm all ears)
Ouvir por trás da porta (To listen behind the door)
Estar com a orelha a arder (To have burning ears/be gossiped about)
Dar ouvidos a alguém (To listen to/believe someone)
Entrar por um ouvido e sair pelo outro (In one ear and out the other)
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