How exactly does "Mi casa es la suya" translate?

Question

Hi everyone,

I end up confused trying to translate the phrase "Mi casa es la suya". Is it:

1. My house is yours (the house that I possess is yours) or
2. My house is the one that you possess (wouldn't "la suya" mean this?) or put otherwise "Your house is mine"?

Also, would someone please explain the difference between "Mi casa es la suya" and "Mi casa es suya" (without "la")?

Thanks a lot.

How exactly does "Mi casa es la suya" translate ? - 00494d19, Jul 22, 2011

...right:) - luz_72, Jul 22, 2011

Answer 1

And here is a true story. A man I met in Queretero, MX, drew me a map of how to get to his house. And he said, "Aquí tienes el mapa que te explique como caminar a tu casa." Le exclamé, "Pero, es tu casa, no es mio." Y dijo, "Es que mi casa es tuyo."

Interesting story, Jeremias:)...thanks for sharing... - luz_72, Jul 22, 2011

Great! - LuisCache, Jul 22, 2011

Answer 2

1. My house is yours (the house that I possess is yours) or

2. My house is the one that you possess (wouldn't "la suya" mean this?) or put otherwise "Your house is mine"?

IN theory and technically, both possibilities exist here, like on Izan's thread about the witch, jeje

if this is said by a devorcé, well, we may assume that his wife kept the house, the dog and the car (suya es in hers)

However, we would understand: My home is your home

Muchas gracias, Heidi:)...voy a buscar el hilo de Izan... - luz_72, Jul 22, 2011

Answer 3

Its more of a saying then anything else. Gramatically its along the lines of saying "my house is that which is yours" But that sounds funny and doesnt make a lot of sence, if your translating for dialog. My house is your house is just fine. Or "make yourself at home. Its more of a saying of hospitality/ welcomeness then actually saying that your house belongs to someone else.

mi casa es la suya o mi casa es suya is just a style choice as far as i've heard. Its a saying or 'dicho' and not intended to be acedemic. might depend on who you are talking to what way they would say it - toothpastechica, Jul 22, 2011

Thank you, toothpastech, that was quite helpful!:) - luz_72, Jul 22, 2011