In Spanish, both "casa" and "hogar" refer to a place where people live, but they have different meanings and connotations.
| Word | Meaning | Connotation | Usage | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| casa | house, building | Physical structure | Refers to the actual building or dwelling | La casa es grande. | The house is big. |
| hogar | home, household | Emotional, warm, and family-oriented | Refers to the place where one feels at home; can be more abstract | El hogar es donde está la familia. | Home is where the family is. |
- Casa is used when talking about the physical building.
- Hogar emphasizes the emotional or familial aspect of living somewhere.
- You can say "mi casa" (my house) and "mi hogar" (my home), but "hogar" is more sentimental.
Understanding these distinctions helps you express yourself more accurately and poetically in Spanish.
Is it correct to say 'Voy a casa' and why?
Yes, it's a common way to say 'I'm going home,' literally meaning 'I'm going to the house.'
'Voy a casa' is a standard expression meaning 'I'm going home.' We use 'casa' here even though it's about going home.
What does 'mi hogar' emphasize that 'mi casa' does not?
The emotional and familial warmth of the place.
'Mi hogar' focuses on feelings of warmth and family, whereas 'mi casa' is just about the house itself.
Flashcards (1 of 2)
- Word: casa
- Meaning: house, building
- Connotation: Physical structure
- Usage: Refers to the actual building or dwelling
- Example in English: The house is big.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
