familia de acogida
/familja de akoxida/from spelling rules
To say host family in Spanish, use familia de acogida.
familia de acogida is the family that takes in an exchange student or an au pair and gives them a room and meals. The same term is also used for foster care, when a family looks after a child who cannot live at home.
Meaning: a family which provides board and lodging to au pairs and students (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of familia, meaning family and de acogida, meaning of welcome. acogida comes from the verb acoger, to welcome or take in.
Which one should you use?
Familia anfitriona is another standard way to say host family. It stresses the family as the host of a guest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, you will also hear familia anfitriona, hospedadora or acogedora for a host family.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make it plural, change only the first word: familias de acogida. The part de acogida stays the same.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word familia descends from a Latin term that originally referred to the 'slave staff of a household' rather than blood relatives.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a familia anfitriona might treat a student as a full member of the family, often referring to them as a 'daughter' or 'son' regardless of the short duration of the stay.
- The term acogida shares a root with acoger, which can also be used in legal contexts to describe a refugee seeking 'asylum' or 'shelter'.
Examples in context
- Mi familia anfitriona me ha recibido muy bienMy host family has welcomed me very well
- Estoy viviendo con una familia de acogidaI am living with a host family
- Esta es mi familia anfitriona, quienes me cuidarán durante mi estancia en España.This is my host family, who will take care of me during my stay in Spain.
- La familia de acogida me ha hecho sentir como en casa desde el primer día.The host family has made me feel at home since the first day.
- Mi familia de acogida es muy amable.My host family is very kind.
- Busco una familia de acogida en Madrid.I am looking for a host family in Madrid.
- La familia de acogida me recibió con alegría.The host family welcomed me with joy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a study abroad trip.
- SofíaSofía, ¿cuándo conoces a tu familia de acogida?Sofía, when do you meet your host family?
- MateoLos conozco el próximo lunes, Mateo.I meet them next Monday, Mateo.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! Espero que sean simpáticos.That's great! I hope they are nice.
- MateoYo también, estoy muy emocionada.Me too, I am very excited.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acogida, de, familia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
