casero
Lemma: casero
Translation: homemade; home-cooked; domestic; landlord; homely; house- (adjective)
Etymology: Derived from 'casa' (house) + the suffix '-ero' which indicates relation or belonging. This construction parallels many English words with '-ly' or '-ish' that relate to a place or characteristic. The suffix '-ero' is common in Spanish for forming nouns and adjectives that indicate a profession or characteristic related to the root word.
Example Usage
El casero nos subió el alquiler este mes.
The landlord raised our rent this month.
Prefiero los remedios caseros para el resfriado.
I prefer home remedies for colds.
Este pan es casero, lo hice esta mañana.
This bread is homemade, I made it this morning.
Me encanta la comida casera de mi abuela.
I love my grandmother's home-cooked food.
Mnemonics
- Think 'casa' (house) + '-ero' (relating to) = 'relating to the house'
- Remember 'casero' sounds like 'casa hero' - the hero of the house is homemade food!
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'casero' has a strong positive connotation when referring to food, implying authenticity and quality. As a noun, it refers to a landlord, highlighting the importance of rental relationships in many Spanish-speaking urban areas.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'casero' means homemade or landlord, 'caserío' refers to a hamlet or small settlement of houses.
Confused word:
Visitamos un pequeño caserío en las montañas.
We visited a small hamlet in the mountains.
Notes: The accent in 'caserío' changes the stress pattern, which helps distinguish it from 'casero'.
Mnemonic: 'Caserío' has an extra syllable, indicating a collection of houses, while 'casero' relates to a single house.
Explanation: 'Casero' refers to homemade things or a landlord, while 'casería' (less common) refers to a country house or farmhouse.
Confused word:
Compraron una casería para pasar los veranos.
They bought a country house to spend the summers.
Notes: 'Casería' is less commonly used in modern Spanish compared to 'casero'.
Mnemonic: 'Casería' ends with '-ía' like many Spanish words for places (panadería, carnicería).