Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| casero | /kaˈseɾo/ |
| hecho en casa | /et͡ʃo en kasa/ (from spelling rules) |
The word casero is the most common way to say "homemade" in Spanish. It is frequently used in marketing and on menus to suggest that a product is artisanal or lacks artificial additives.
Which one should you use?
While casero is a single adjective, you can also use the phrase hecho en casa, which literally means "made in house". These two forms can be used interchangeably to mean "homemade".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the expression cocina de rancho can be used to describe homemade cooking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective casero must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It becomes casera for feminine singular nouns, caseros for masculine plural nouns and caseras for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈseɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse casero (homemade) with Hecho a Mano, which means "handmade" and is used specifically for crafts or items created without using machines.
Did you know?
- While casero means 'homemade', it is also the common term for a landlord or landlady in many Spanish speaking countries.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a dish casero is a high compliment that suggests the food was made with the care and seasoning of a grandmother, rather than just a commercial kitchen.
- The word hecho comes from the Latin factus, which is the same root found in the English word 'fact'. Both words stem from the idea of something that has been 'done' or 'made'.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela hizo un delicioso dulce de caramelo casero.My grandmother made delicious homemade fudge.This sentence shows how to use casero to describe a sweet treat.Tatoeba #5911924 by albrusgher, translation #4717346 by hinto4
- ¿Alguna vez has probado el kimchi casero?Have you ever tried homemade kimchi?This sentence demonstrates the use of casero when asking about a specific food item.Tatoeba #13676750 by mervert1, translation #13247806 by Lumi
- La comida casera de este restaurante es deliciosa.The homemade food from this restaurant is delicious.
- Esta es una manualidad hecha en casa.This is a homemade craft.
- Este pan casero es muy bueno.This homemade bread is very good.
Example conversation
Javier and María are eating lunch together.
- JavierEste pastel está increíble.This cake is incredible.
- MaríaGracias, es un pastel casero.Thank you, it is a homemade cake.
- Javier¿Lo hiciste tú misma, María?Did you make it yourself, María?
- MaríaSí, lo horneé esta mañana.Yes, I baked it this morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “homemade” translations and entries casero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries casa, casero, en, hecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
