casa
everyday, neutral
In Brazil "home" is casa, and "at home" is em casa. The word lar is more poetic and means the home as a family place.
Meaning: the place where one lives (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| casa | everyday, neutral |
| lar | warm, literary |
| em casa | at home |
Casa is both "house" and "home", as in Vou para casa (I am going home). Estou em casa means "I am at home".
Which one should you use?
Lar is used for the emotional idea of home, as in Lar, doce lar (Home, sweet home). For an apartment people also say apartamento or ap.
When do people say it?
When welcoming a guest Brazilians often say Fique à vontade or Sinta-se em casa, meaning "make yourself at home".
Did you know?
- The Brazilian saying Casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau refers to a blacksmith whose own home has only a wooden skewer, meaning people neglect their own needs.
Examples in context
- Vou para casa agora.I am going home now.
- Ela está em casa hoje.She is at home today.
- Lar, doce lar!Home, sweet home!
Example conversation
Renata calls her husband André from the office in Curitiba.
- RenataVocê já está em casa?Are you already at home?
- AndréCheguei agora.I just got here.
- RenataVou chegar mais tarde.I will be home later.
