What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Benvenuti (welcomed/welcome), a (to), casa (home/house) and nostra (our).
Which one should you use?
Benvenuti a casa nostra emphasizes ownership of the home ('our home'), whereas Benvenuti a casa is a more general 'Welcome home' often used when someone returns to their own house or a shared space.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are welcoming only one male guest, the masculine plural Benvenuti changes to the masculine singular Benvenuto a casa nostra. If you are welcoming only one female guest, the masculine plural Benvenuti changes to the feminine singular Benvenuta a casa nostra. If you are welcoming a group consisting only of female guests, the masculine plural Benvenuti changes to the feminine plural Benvenute a casa nostra.
Did you know?
- The word Benvenuti is also a common Italian surname, originating from the personal name Benvenuto.
- In Italy, welcoming guests with Benvenuti a casa nostra is often accompanied by the offer of a caffè, which is a social ritual of hospitality regardless of the time of day.
- Depending on the city, the double cheek kiss that often accompanies Benvenuti a casa nostra may start on a different side.
Examples in context
- Entrate, benvenuti a casa nostra.Come in, welcome to our home.
- Siete i nostri ospiti, benvenuti a casa nostra.You are our guests, welcome to our home.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are welcoming their friends to their new apartment.
- MatteoBenvenuti a casa nostra!Welcome to our home!
- ChiaraGrazie mille, la casa è bellissima.Thank you so much, the house is beautiful.
- MatteoPrego, accomodatevi pure in salotto.You're welcome, please make yourselves comfortable in the living room.
- ChiaraGrazie per l'ospitalità, Matteo.Thank you for the hospitality, Matteo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Benvenuti, a, casa, nostra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
