nosotros
Lemma Details
Translation: we; us
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'nos' (we, us) + 'otros' (others). The compound form 'nosotros' developed in Spanish to distinguish the exclusive 'we' from other uses. The English pronoun 'we' comes from a different Germanic root, but the Latin 'nos' appears in English words like 'nostalgia' (homesickness) and 'notorious' (widely known, usually negatively).
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'nos' (us) + 'otros' (others) = 'us others' or 'we as a group'
- Associate with 'nos' in English words like 'nostalgia' to remember it relates to a collective experience
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, unlike English, subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb conjugation indicates the subject. 'Nosotros' is explicitly used for emphasis, contrast, or clarity. In Latin America, 'nosotros' is used universally, while in Spain there's a distinction between 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' (you all, informal).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Nosotros' means 'we/us' while 'vosotros' means 'you all' (informal, used in Spain). They have similar structures with '-otros' endings but refer to different persons.
Confused word:
Vosotros vais a la playa.
You all are going to the beach.
Notes: In Latin America, 'vosotros' is not used; 'ustedes' is used instead for both formal and informal 'you all'.
Mnemonic: 'Nos-' starts with 'n' like 'we' ends with 'e', while 'vos-' starts with 'v' like 'you'.
Explanation: 'Nosotros' is a subject pronoun meaning 'we', while 'nuestro' is a possessive adjective meaning 'our'.
This word:
Nosotros compramos comida.
We buy food.
Confused word:
Este es nuestro coche.
This is our car.
Notes: 'Nuestro' changes form based on the gender and number of the noun it modifies: nuestro (masc. sing.), nuestra (fem. sing.), nuestros (masc. pl.), nuestras (fem. pl.).
Mnemonic: 'Nosotros' ends with '-os' like 'we does' (playful mnemonic), while 'nuestro' ends with '-o' like 'our' starts with 'o'.