nos
Lemma Details
Translation: us; ourselves; to us; each other
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'nos' meaning 'we/us'. This pronoun has remained remarkably stable from Latin to modern Spanish, maintaining both its form and core meaning. It's related to English pronouns through the Indo-European root, though English took a different path with 'us' coming from Germanic origins.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'nos' as the first part of 'nosotros' (we/us)
- Remember that 'nos' sounds a bit like the English word 'nose' - imagine pointing to your nose to indicate 'us'
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday Spanish conversation. The reflexive use of 'nos' is particularly important in Spanish culture where reciprocal actions and shared experiences are emphasized.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Nos' is an object pronoun (direct or indirect) meaning 'us', while 'nosotros' is a subject pronoun meaning 'we'.
Confused word:
Nosotros vamos a la fiesta.
We are going to the party.
Notes: 'Nos' can be attached to infinitives, commands, and present participles, while 'nosotros' always stands alone.
Mnemonic: 'Nos' is shorter and used as an object; 'nosotros' is longer and used as a subject.
Explanation: 'Nos' is a pronoun meaning 'us', while 'no' is the negative adverb meaning 'no' or 'not'.
This word:
Nos gusta el chocolate.
We like chocolate.
Confused word:
No me gusta el chocolate.
I don't like chocolate.
Notes: 'Nos' refers to people, while 'no' modifies verbs or other elements to make them negative.
Mnemonic: 'Nos' has an 's' for 'several people'; 'no' is just for negation.