a casa nostra
Lemma: a casa nostra
Translation: at our home; at our house; in our home; to our home (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase combines 'a' (at/to), 'casa' (house/home), and 'nostra' (our). 'Casa' derives from Latin 'casa' meaning 'cottage' or 'hut', which evolved to mean 'house' or 'home' in Italian. 'Nostra' comes from Latin 'noster/nostra/nostrum' meaning 'our'. The English word 'nostrum' (a pet remedy or scheme) shares this Latin root, originally meaning 'our remedy'.
Example Usage
Vieni a cena a casa nostra stasera.
Come to dinner at our house tonight.
A casa nostra non si tolgono le scarpe.
At our home, we don't take off our shoes.
Siete sempre i benvenuti a casa nostra.
You are always welcome at our home.
Torniamo a casa nostra dopo le vacanze.
We're returning to our home after the vacation.
Mnemonics
- 'Casa' sounds like 'casa' in Spanish or 'case' in English - think of your home as your 'case' where you keep your belongings.
- 'Nostra' sounds like 'nostril' - our nostrils are part of us, just as 'nostra' means 'our'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, 'casa' carries strong connotations of family unity and hospitality. The phrase 'a casa nostra' often implies not just a physical location but a place of warmth, comfort, and familial bonds. Italians take pride in welcoming guests 'a casa nostra' and the phrase is often used when extending invitations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'A casa nostra' means 'at our home' while 'a casa vostra' means 'at your home' (plural or formal 'you'). The difference is in the possessive adjective: 'nostra' (our) vs 'vostra' (your).
Notes: In Italian, possessive adjectives agree with the noun they modify, not with the possessor. Since 'casa' is feminine singular, both 'nostra' and 'vostra' are in their feminine singular forms.
Mnemonic: 'Nostra' starts with 'n' like 'noi' (we/us), while 'vostra' starts with 'v' like 'voi' (you plural).
Explanation: Both phrases refer to 'our home', but 'a casa nostra' typically means 'to our home' or 'at our home' (often implying movement toward), while 'in casa nostra' means 'in our home' (emphasizing location inside).
Notes: The prepositions 'a' and 'in' can sometimes be used interchangeably in colloquial speech when referring to being at home.
Mnemonic: Think of 'a' as 'at/to' (approaching) and 'in' as 'inside' (already there).