Portuguese Phrase
Caiu a luz.
Meaning
This is a common Brazilian Portuguese idiom used to indicate a power outage. While it literally translates to 'The light fell,' it refers to the sudden loss of electricity in a home or area.
When to use
Use this phrase immediately when the lights go off or the electricity fails. It is informal and used in everyday conversation with family, friends, or neighbors.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Caiualuz
Cair
The verb 'cair' means 'to fall'. In the third person singular preterite 'caiu', it describes the 'drop' in electrical current.
A luz
Literally 'the light'. In Brazil, utility bills for electricity are often called 'conta de luz'.
🗨In Conversation
Ué, o computador desligou sozinho?
Wait, did the computer turn off by itself?
Caiu a luz no bairro todo.
The power went out in the whole neighborhood.
✕Common Mistakes
A energia desligou.
While 'desligar' means to turn off, 'cair' is the idiomatic way to describe a spontaneous power failure.
↔Alternatives
Acabou a luz.
The light is finished (The power is out).
Faltou luz.
Light is missing (There's a blackout).
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'luz' is frequently used as a synonym for 'electricity' in domestic contexts. During the tropical rainy season, you will hear this phrase often as heavy storms frequently cause temporary outages in major cities.