lo nuestro
Lemma: lo nuestro
Translation: our thing; our relationship; what we have; our affair; our business (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase combines the neuter article 'lo' (which substantivizes the following adjective) with the possessive adjective 'nuestro' (our). 'Nuestro' derives from Latin 'noster', which shares the same Indo-European root as English 'our'. The construction 'lo + adjective' is a common Spanish pattern that creates abstract concepts.
Example Usage
Lo nuestro es especial.
What we have is special.
Nadie entiende lo nuestro.
Nobody understands our relationship.
Lo nuestro terminó hace tiempo.
Our relationship ended a long time ago.
Debemos mantener lo nuestro en secreto.
We should keep our affair a secret.
Lo nuestro es la música.
Our thing is music.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'lo' as 'the thing' and 'nuestro' as 'our' - so 'the thing that is ours'
- Associate with the English phrase 'our thing' which has similar connotations of something shared between people
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to refer to a romantic relationship, often with a sense of intimacy or secrecy. It can also refer to something that belongs to or characterizes a group, family, or community. In Latin American culture, it's frequently used in love songs and telenovelas to describe romantic relationships.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'lo nuestro' refers to something belonging to 'us' (first person plural), 'lo vuestro' refers to something belonging to 'you all' (second person plural).
Confused word:
Lo vuestro parece estar funcionando bien.
Your relationship seems to be working well.
Notes: In Latin American Spanish, 'lo vuestro' is less common as 'vosotros' is rarely used, with 'ustedes' being the preferred second person plural form.
Mnemonic: Nuestro = 'N' for 'us' (first letter of 'nosotros'); Vuestro = 'V' for 'you all' (first letter of 'vosotros')
Explanation: 'Lo nuestro' (singular) refers to an abstract concept or relationship, while 'los nuestros' (plural masculine) refers to people who belong to our group or side.
Notes: 'Los nuestros' often refers to 'our people' or 'our team' in contexts like sports, politics, or group identity.
Mnemonic: 'Lo' (singular) for one relationship or concept; 'Los' (plural) for multiple people