a lo nuestro
Lemma: a lo nuestro
Translation: to our business; back to our matter; let's focus on our thing (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.
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.