Make yourself at home
in SpanishSiéntete como en tu casa
/see-EHN-teh-teh KOH-moh ehn too KAH-sah/
This is the most direct and universally understood way to say 'Make yourself at home.' It literally means 'Feel like you are in your house' and is very warm and welcoming.
A warm welcome is universal. In Spanish, phrases like 'Siéntete como en tu casa' turn a house into a home for your guests.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Siéntase como en su casa
/see-EHN-tah-seh KOH-moh ehn soo KAH-sah/
This is the formal version of the primary phrase, used when addressing someone you don't know well, an older person, or someone in a position of authority (using 'usted').
Estás en tu casa
/ehs-TAHS ehn too KAH-sah/
A very common and slightly more casual alternative, meaning 'You are in your house.' It's a simple, powerful way to make someone feel welcome.
Mi casa es tu casa
/mee KAH-sah ehs too KAH-sah/
This famous phrase, meaning 'My house is your house,' is a classic expression of hospitality. While well-known, it's still used sincerely to offer a deep sense of welcome.
Ponte cómodo / Ponte cómoda
/POHN-teh KOH-moh-doh / POHN-teh KOH-moh-dah/
Meaning 'Get comfortable,' this is a practical and friendly instruction. Remember to match the ending to the gender of the person you're speaking to ('cómodo' for a man, 'cómoda' for a woman).
Sentite como en tu casa
/sehn-TEE-teh KOH-moh ehn too KAH-sah/
This is the 'voseo' version, used in countries like Argentina and Uruguay. 'Sentite' is the command form for 'vos' instead of 'tú'. It's grammatically different but carries the exact same meaning.
Estás en tu hogar
/ehs-TAHS ehn too oh-GAR/
This version means 'You are in your home.' The word 'hogar' has a warmer, more emotional connotation than 'casa' (house), similar to 'home' versus 'house' in English. It's a bit more poetic.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick comparison of the most common ways to say 'Make yourself at home' to help you choose the right one.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siéntete como en tu casa | Informal | Friends, family, and peers. It's the standard, warm informal welcome. | Speaking to elders, bosses, or people you should address as 'usted'. |
| Siéntase como en su casa | Formal | Formal situations, showing respect to elders, or when meeting someone for the first time. | Chatting with close friends, as it can sound too distant. |
| Estás en tu casa | Informal | A quick, confident, and very common welcome for friends and family. | You need to be explicitly formal; 'Esté en su casa' is grammatically correct but less common. |
| Mi casa es tu casa | Neutral | Expressing deep hospitality, especially for guests staying over. | A very brief, transactional visit where such warmth might feel excessive. |
| Ponte cómodo/a | Informal | A practical, friendly instruction as someone is arriving and settling in. | You want a more heartfelt, idiomatic expression of welcome. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are generally straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge is the flow of the multi-word phrase.
The concept of reflexive verbs ('sentirse', 'ponerse') and the distinction between formal ('usted') and informal ('tú') commands can be tricky for beginners.
Understanding the deep cultural significance of hospitality and choosing the correct formality level requires some practice and observation.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to use reflexive pronouns (te, se).
- Choosing between the formal (usted) and informal (tú/vos) versions.
- Matching gender for 'cómodo/cómoda'.
💡Examples in Action
¡Hola, Ana! Pasa, pasa. Siéntete como en tu casa.
Hi, Ana! Come in, come in. Make yourself at home.
Buenas noches, señor Pérez. Por favor, adelante. Siéntase como en su casa.
Good evening, Mr. Pérez. Please, come in. Make yourself at home.
Deja la maleta ahí. Mi casa es tu casa, así que relájate.
Leave the suitcase there. My house is your house, so just relax.
Che, pasá y ponete cómodo. ¿Querés tomar algo?
Hey, come in and make yourself comfortable. Do you want something to drink?
🌍Cultural Context
The Power of 'Mi Casa es Tu Casa'
This isn't just a cliché; it reflects a deep-seated cultural value of hospitality in many Spanish-speaking countries. When someone says this, they are genuinely opening their home to you. It signifies generosity, warmth, and a desire to make guests feel like part of the family, not just visitors.
Formality Matters
Choosing between the informal 'tú' (Siéntete) and the formal 'usted' (Siéntase) is crucial. Using the informal version with an elder or a superior can be seen as disrespectful. When in doubt, it's always safer to start with the formal 'usted' and let the other person invite you to be more casual.
Actions Speak Louder
This phrase is often accompanied by welcoming gestures. A host might physically guide you to the most comfortable chair, immediately offer you a drink ('¿Te ofrezco algo de tomar?'), or insist you relax while they handle everything. Accepting these gestures graciously is part of the cultural exchange.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation Error
Mistake: "Saying '*Hazte en casa' or '*Hacerte en casa'."
Correction: Use 'Siéntete como en tu casa' or 'Estás en tu casa'.
Ignoring Formality
Mistake: "Using 'Siéntete...' with your new boss or an elderly person."
Correction: Use 'Siéntase como en su casa'.
Forgetting Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Telling a female friend, 'Ponte cómodo'."
Correction: Say 'Ponte cómoda'.
💡Pro Tips
How to Respond Gracefully
When someone tells you to make yourself at home, a simple, warm response is best. Say 'Muchas gracias' (Thank you very much), 'Qué amable' (How kind), or 'Gracias, con permiso' (Thank you, with your permission) as you enter or sit down.
Pair it with an Offer
To sound even more natural as a host, follow up the welcoming phrase with an offer. For example: 'Estás en tu casa. ¿Quieres un café?' (You're in your home. Do you want a coffee?). This reinforces the welcoming sentiment.
Read the Room
While 'Mi casa es tu casa' is a beautiful phrase, it can feel a bit dramatic in very casual situations. For a friend just popping by for five minutes, a simple 'Pasa, ponte cómodo' (Come in, get comfortable) is often more appropriate.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The phrase is used very frequently and casually. It's a standard part of welcoming anyone into the home, from a plumber to a close friend. The directness of 'Estás en tu casa' is very common.
Mexico
'Mi casa es tu casa' is deeply embedded in Mexican culture and is a hallmark of the country's famous hospitality. It's said with genuine warmth. 'Pásale' is a very common, friendly way to say 'come in'.
Argentina
The use of 'voseo' (using 'vos' instead of 'tú') is the most defining feature. Using 'sentite' and 'ponete' will make you sound instantly more local. The word 'che' is often added to make it even more familiar.
💬What Comes Next?
After you welcome them
Muchas gracias, qué amable.
Thank you so much, how kind.
De nada. ¿Te ofrezco algo de tomar? ¿Agua, un café?
You're welcome. Can I offer you something to drink? Water, a coffee?
They seem a bit shy after arriving
(Looks around quietly)
(They are waiting for direction)
Por favor, toma asiento donde quieras. Estás en tu casa.
Please, have a seat wherever you'd like. Make yourself at home.
🧠Memory Tricks
The sound similarity between 'siénte-te' and 'sit-and-stay' helps connect the Spanish phrase to the English concept of settling in and feeling comfortable.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'Make yourself at home' is a polite but often standard, almost automatic phrase. In Spanish, especially with expressions like 'Mi casa es tu casa,' the sentiment is often more literal and deeply felt. It's an active invitation to share the space, not just a passive pleasantry. The Spanish versions emphasize feeling ('siéntete') or being ('estás'), connecting to the guest's state of mind more directly.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: This English phrase often has a negative or sarcastic connotation, implying someone is being overly bold or presumptuous. The Spanish phrases are always genuinely welcoming.
Use instead: 'Siéntete como en tu casa' is about comfort and welcome, not about taking over.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
Can I offer you something to drink?
This is the most natural follow-up after welcoming someone into your home.
Thank you for having me
This is what a guest would say, completing the other side of the conversation.
Where is the bathroom?
A practical and essential question for any guest to know once they feel comfortable.
You're welcome
This is the host's response after the guest says 'thank you'.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Make yourself at home
Question 1 of 3
You are welcoming your new, older neighbor into your home for the first time. Which phrase is most appropriate?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'Siéntete' and 'Siéntase'?
The difference is formality. 'Siéntete' is the informal command you use with 'tú' (for friends, family, peers). 'Siéntase' is the formal command you use with 'usted' (for strangers, elders, or in professional settings). When in doubt, using the formal 'siéntase' is always the safer, more respectful option.
Is 'Mi casa es tu casa' too cliché for native speakers?
Not at all! While it's famous worldwide, it's still used sincerely in Spanish-speaking cultures. It conveys a deep level of warmth and generosity. It might be a bit much for a very casual visitor, but for a friend or someone you're hosting, it's a wonderful and heartfelt expression.
How should I act after someone tells me to make myself at home?
The best way is to accept their hospitality gracefully. You can say 'Muchas gracias' and then visibly relax a bit—perhaps by taking a seat without waiting to be told exactly where, or placing your bag down. Don't be afraid to ask for things you might need, like the bathroom or a glass of water, as that shows you've taken their offer to heart.
Can I say 'Estás en tu casa' to more than one person?
Yes, you can! To address a group of people informally (using 'vosotros', common in Spain), you would say 'Estáis en vuestra casa'. To address any group formally OR informally in Latin America (using 'ustedes'), you say 'Están en su casa'. 'Están en su casa' is the most universally useful plural version.
What's the difference between 'casa' and 'hogar'?
It's very similar to 'house' and 'home' in English. 'Casa' refers to the physical building or structure. 'Hogar' refers to the emotional, familial space—the hearth, the feeling of home. So, 'Estás en tu hogar' is a slightly more poetic and emotional way to say 'You're home'.
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