nuestra
Wordform Details
Translation: our
Part of Speech: possessive adjective
Inflection Type:
femininesingularIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: our; ours
Part of Speech: possessive adjective
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'noster' (our), which comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *nos- (we). The English word 'nostrum' (a pet project or favorite remedy) comes from the Latin phrase 'nostrum remedium' meaning 'our remedy'. The Spanish 'nuestro' preserves the possessive meaning while evolving its form to fit Spanish phonology.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'new + astro' - 'our new star' to remember 'nuestro' means 'our'
- Associate with 'nosotros' (we) - 'nuestro' belongs to 'nosotros'
- The 'nu' in 'nuestro' sounds like 'new' - 'our new possession'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, the concept of 'lo nuestro' (our thing) can have strong connotations of family bonds, shared heritage, or a romantic relationship. The possessive 'nuestro' is often used to express collective ownership or responsibility in a way that emphasizes community and shared identity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Nuestro' means 'our/ours' (belonging to us), while 'vuestro' means 'your/yours' (belonging to you all). They follow the same pattern of agreement with gender and number.
Confused word:
Vuestro equipo ganó el partido.
Your team won the match.
Notes: 'Vuestro' is commonly used in Spain but less frequent in Latin America, where 'su' or 'de ustedes' is preferred.
Mnemonic: 'Nuestro' starts with 'n' like 'nosotros' (we); 'vuestro' starts with 'v' like 'vosotros' (you all).
Explanation: 'Nuestro' specifically means 'our/ours', while 'su' can mean 'his', 'her', 'their', or formal 'your'. 'Nuestro' is unambiguous, while 'su' requires context to determine the possessor.
Notes: When ambiguity might arise with 'su', Spanish speakers often clarify by using 'de él', 'de ella', etc.
Mnemonic: 'Nuestro' is specific (like 'nosotros'), while 'su' is ambiguous (like pronouns 'él', 'ella', 'ellos', 'ellas', 'usted').