What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronominal verb irse (to go oneself away/depart) and the prepositional phrase a casa (to house).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, ir para la casa may be used instead of ir a casa.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the pronominal form irse in the first person present, the reflexive pronoun me must be used and conjugated to match the subject, such as in me voy a casa (I am going home). The reflexive pronoun se is used for third-person singular and plural forms of the verb irse, such as in se van a casa (they go home).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add the definite article la before casa when they mean 'home'. In Spanish, irse a casa is the standard way to say 'to go home'.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ya me voy (I am leaving now) is a social ritual that can last several minutes, as it is considered rude to depart abruptly without a prolonged series of goodbyes.
- While 'casa' means 'house', its Latin ancestor 'casa' actually referred to a small 'cottage' or 'hut'.
- The word casa does not only mean a residence but can also refer to a business, such as a casa de comidas which is a small eatery.
Examples in context
- Tom no quiere irse a casa.Tom doesn't want to go home.This sentence shows the use of irse a casa with a negative subject.Tatoeba #1281916 by Shishir, translation #1094256 by CK
- Ellos quieren irse a casa.They want to go home.This sentence shows the use of irse a casa with a subject expressing desire.Tatoeba #2102062 by marcelostockle, translation #2011599 by CK
- Le permití a Kate irse a casa.I allowed Kate to go home.This sentence shows the use of irse a casa in an infinitive construction.Tatoeba #1859626 by Shishir, translation #253415 by CN
- Mañana después del trabajo, tengo que ir a casa temprano.Tomorrow after work, I have to go home early.
- El invitado debe regresar a casa antes de medianoche.The guest must return home before midnight.
- Después de las vacaciones, estoy ansioso por volver a casa.After the vacation, I am eager to go back home.
- Después de la fiesta, nos vamos a casa en taxi.After the party, we're going home by taxi.
- Ya es tarde, es mejor que nos marchemos a casa.It's late, we better go home now.
- Voy a casaI am going home
- Vamos a casaWe are going home
- ¡Buen viaje a casa!Have a good trip home!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are at a party and are feeling tired.
- MaríaYa estoy cansada, quiero irse a casa.I'm already tired, I want to go home.
- JavierYo también, ¿nos vamos ya?Me too, shall we leave now?
- MaríaSí, es mejor irse a casa ahora.Yes, it's better to go home now.
- JavierDe acuerdo, busquemos las llaves.Alright, let's look for the keys.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, casa, irse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
