a lo nuestro
Lemma Details
Translation: to our business; back to our matter; let's focus on our thing
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to), the neuter article 'lo' (the), and the possessive adjective 'nuestro' (our). The construction 'a lo + adjective' is common in Spanish to express manner or direction toward something. In this case, it refers to returning focus to one's own affairs or responsibilities.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Bueno, dejemos de hablar de política y volvamos a lo nuestro.
Well, let's stop talking about politics and get back to our business.
Después de la interrupción, el profesor dijo: 'A lo nuestro, chicos'.
After the interruption, the teacher said: 'Back to our matter, kids'.
No nos preocupemos por lo que hacen los demás, vamos a lo nuestro.
Let's not worry about what others are doing, let's focus on our thing.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a lo nuestro' as 'to OUR thing' - emphasizing the focus on what belongs to or concerns us.
- Imagine someone saying 'Let's get back to OUR business' while making a circular motion with their finger pointing inward to the group.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish conversations to redirect focus back to the main topic or to one's own responsibilities after a digression. It reflects the Spanish cultural value of staying focused on one's own affairs rather than meddling in others' business.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a lo nuestro' refers to 'our business' (first person plural), 'a lo suyo' refers to 'their business' (third person).
Confused word:
Ellos siempre van a lo suyo sin preocuparse por los demás.
They always focus on their own business without worrying about others.
Notes: The difference is simply in the possessive adjective used, changing the reference from first person plural to third person.
Mnemonic: NUEstro = OURs, SUyo = THEIRs
Explanation: 'A lo nuestro' is plural (our business), while 'a lo mío' is singular (my business).
Confused word:
Yo voy a lo mío, no me involucres en tus problemas.
I'm focusing on my own business, don't involve me in your problems.
Notes: Both phrases have the same structure but differ in the person and number of the possessive adjective.
Mnemonic: NUEstro involves multiple people (WE), MÍo is just about ME.