volver a casa
/bolbeɾ a kasa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "coming home" can be translated into Spanish as volver a casa.
This phrase refers to the act of returning to the place where one lives.
Which one should you use?
The phrase volver a casa specifically emphasizes the act of returning to a place. In contrast, the phrase ir a casa means "to go home" without that specific emphasis on return.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase volviendo a casa is widely used. In Latin America, it is common to use the phrase regresando a casa.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of "coming home" using the present participle, use volviendo a casa.
Did you know?
- The verb volver shares its roots with the English word 'volume', as both stem from the Latin 'volvere', meaning to roll.
- While casa is used for the physical building, the word hogar evokes the emotional feeling of 'home' because it comes from the word for 'hearth' or fireplace.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase volver a casa is used metaphorically in politics and sports to describe a player or official returning to their original club or city.
Examples in context
- Después de un largo día de playa, estábamos llegando a casa para descansar.After a long day at the beach, we were coming home to rest.
- Estoy volviendo a casa ahora mismo.I am coming home right now.
- Me emociona volver a casa después del viaje.I am excited about coming home after the trip.
- Su plan es volver a casa muy tarde.His plan is to come home very late.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking on the phone at the end of a work day.
- Lucía¿A qué hora vas a volver a casa?What time are you coming home?
- AlejandroVoy a volver a casa en media hora.I am coming home in half an hour.
- LucíaPerfecto, te espero para cenar.Perfect, I will wait for you for dinner.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía, nos vemos pronto.Thanks, Lucía, see you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, casa, volver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
