entre nos
Lemma Details
Translation: between us; between ourselves; confidentially
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase comes from Spanish 'entre' (between) and 'nos' (us), a shortened form of 'nosotros'. 'Entre' derives from Latin 'inter' (between, among), which is also the source of English 'inter-' as in 'international'. 'Nos' comes from Latin 'nos' (we, us), related to English pronouns through Proto-Indo-European roots.
Commonality: 50%
Guessability: 70%
Register: informal
Example Usage
Entre nos, creo que va a renunciar a su trabajo.
Between us, I think he's going to quit his job.
Te lo digo entre nos, no estoy contento con la decisión.
I tell you confidentially, I'm not happy with the decision.
Entre nos, ¿qué piensas realmente del nuevo jefe?
Between ourselves, what do you really think of the new boss?
Mnemonics
- 'Entre nos' sounds like 'enter nose' - imagine whispering a secret so close you're almost in someone's nose!
- Think of 'entre' as 'enter' and 'nos' as 'us' - entering a private space between us where secrets are shared.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used to preface confidential information or gossip in Spanish-speaking cultures. It signals that what follows should not be shared beyond the present company. It's slightly more casual than 'entre nosotros'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'entre nos' is a shortened, slightly more informal version of 'entre nosotros', they mean essentially the same thing. 'Entre nosotros' is the full form and might be considered slightly more formal.
Notes: Both phrases are used in similar contexts, but 'entre nos' has a slightly more intimate, casual feel.
Mnemonic: 'Nos' is shorter than 'nosotros', just as 'entre nos' is the shortened, more casual version of the phrase.