Learning French: the origins and meaning of être sur un petit nuage and other cloud phrases

From extreme bliss to utter naivety, we look at what exactly the French mean when referring to a ‘little cloud.’ 

What does être sur un petit nuage mean?

It literally translates as: to be on a little cloud. 

You may also hear variations such as: être sur son nuage (to be on a cloud), or vivre sur son nuage (to live on a cloud). 

The expression refers to someone who is extremely happy, just like you might describe being ‘on cloud nine’, or ‘over the moon’ in English.

You may also hear a similar saying with a slightly different meaning: être dans les nuages, (to be in the clouds), avoir la tête dans les nuages (to have your head in the clouds).

This implies that a person is distracted, daydreaming, or ‘in a world of their own.’ 

Each of these distinct meanings can also overlap to describe someone who is so euphoric that they see everything through rose-tinted glasses and are slightly disconnected from reality. A common example is the ‘honeymoon’ period (lune de miel) at the start of a new relationship.

Another related expression is: redescendre de son petit nuage (to come down from a cloud). It is used to describe returning to reality, and is closer to the English saying, ‘to come back down to earth.’

What are the origins of être sur un petit nuage?

The sense behind this metaphor comes from the image of clouds being soft and high in the sky, far away from the hard realities and worries associated with life on Earth. 

People who find themselves on a ‘petit nuage’ are therefore in a state of bliss - as if they are floating.

When do you say être sur un petit nuage?

Say this to describe someone who is in good spirits:

• Depuis qu'il a gagné la course, mon fils est sur un petit nuage. - Since winning the race, my son has been on cloud nine.

You can also use it to imply that someone is euphoric to the point of being disconnected from reality:

• Le couple vivait sur un petit nuage dans les semaines qui ont suivi leur mariage. - The couple were living in a bubble in the weeks that followed their marriage.

To whom do you say être sur un petit nuage?

It is colloquial language and will most likely be said out loud or in casual written messages with friends, family. It could also be used in formal and professional situations.

Depending on your tone of voice, this saying could come across as a criticism of someone who is slightly naive or unrealistic. You could risk hurting their feelings. 

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com