estar en casa
Lemma Details
Translation: to be at home; to be home
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the Spanish verb 'estar' (to be, in a temporary state) with the preposition 'en' (in, at) and the noun 'casa' (house, home). 'Estar' comes from Latin 'stare' (to stand), while 'casa' derives from Latin 'casa' meaning cottage or hut. The English word 'castle' shares a distant etymological connection with 'casa' through Latin 'castellum', a diminutive of 'castrum' (fortress).
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'estar' as your 'state of being' at a particular location.
- Casa sounds like 'casa' in 'mi casa es su casa' (my house is your house), a common Spanish hospitality phrase.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'estar en casa' is a common phrase that reflects the importance of home life. The home is often a central gathering place for family, and many Spanish speakers will explicitly state when they are at home or not as a way of indicating their availability for social interaction.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'estar en casa' means to be physically present at home (a temporary state), 'ser de casa' means to be a homebody or someone who prefers staying at home (a characteristic or trait).
Notes: This distinction highlights the fundamental difference between 'ser' and 'estar' in Spanish, where 'ser' indicates permanent qualities and 'estar' indicates temporary states or locations.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'estar' for temporary states (location), 'ser' for characteristics.
Explanation: This is an incorrect construction in standard Spanish. The correct preposition with 'casa' is 'en' not 'a'.
This word:
Estoy en casa ahora.
I am at home now.
Confused word:
[Incorrect usage]
[Incorrect usage]
Notes: Some regional dialects or speakers influenced by other languages (like Catalan) might occasionally use 'estar a casa', but 'estar en casa' is the standard form in Spanish.
Mnemonic: Remember: home is where you are 'en' (in), not where you are going 'a' (to).