caserón
Lemma Details
Translation: large house; mansion; big old house; rambling house
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'casa' (house) with the augmentative suffix '-ón', which indicates something large or oversized. The suffix '-ón' often carries a connotation of something being not just large but somewhat unwieldy or imposing. This pattern of augmentative suffixes is common in Spanish, where '-ón' (masculine) and '-ona' (feminine) create larger versions of the base noun, often with additional connotations about quality or character.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Viven en un caserón antiguo en el centro de la ciudad.
They live in an old mansion in the city center.
El caserón tenía más de veinte habitaciones y era difícil de mantener.
The large house had more than twenty rooms and was difficult to maintain.
Heredó un caserón de sus abuelos pero no tenía dinero para renovarlo.
He inherited a big old house from his grandparents but didn't have money to renovate it.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'casa' (house) + '-ón' (big) = 'big house'
- Imagine a 'case' (English) that's so '-rón' (sounds like 'wrong') because it's too big and unwieldy
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'caserón' often refers to old, large houses that may have historical significance or architectural value. The term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a house that is not only large but also somewhat old, possibly run-down or difficult to maintain.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'caserón' refers to a large house, 'casero' can mean 'landlord' or 'homemade/home-style' (as an adjective).
Notes: The suffix '-ón' creates an augmentative, while '-ero' often creates nouns referring to people or adjectives.
Mnemonic: 'Caserón' ends with '-ón' (big) for a big house; 'casero' ends with '-ero' (person) often for the person who owns the house.
Explanation: Both refer to large houses, but 'casona' (feminine) often has a more positive or dignified connotation than 'caserón' (masculine), which can suggest something unwieldy or imposing.
Confused word:
La casona familiar ha sido restaurada con mucho gusto.
The large family house has been tastefully restored.
Notes: The difference is subtle and usage varies by region, but generally 'casona' has a more positive connotation.
Mnemonic: Think of 'caserón' as 'case-wrong' (something awkward about it) versus 'casona' as 'casa-nice'.