vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Stay at" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "alojarse en", and "stay in" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "quedarse en casa". Learn more about the difference between "stay at" and "stay in" below.
stay at(
stey
aht
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. alojarse en
When we visited Seattle, we stayed at an excellent hotel near Pike Market.Cuando fuimos a Seattle, nos alojamos en un hotel excelente cerca de Pike Market.
b. hospedarse en
Are you planning to stay at a hotel near the airport?¿Tienen previsto hospedarse en un hotel cerca del aeropuerto?
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
2. (imperative)
a. alójate en (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
When you come to Buenos Aires, stay at my home.Cuando vengas a Buenos Aires, alójate en mi casa.
b. hospédate en (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Stay at our inn. You won't regret it!Hospédate en nuestra posada. No te arrepentirás.
c. alójese en (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Stay at this hotel. It's cheaper and better than the other.Alójese en este hotel. Es más barato y mejor que el otro.
d. hospédese en (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Stop looking! Stay at our renowned five-star hotel!¡Deje de buscar! ¡Hospédese en nuestro afamado hotel cinco estrellas!
stay in(
stey
ihn
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. quedarse en casa
Did you do anything yesterday? - No. I had a headache, so I stayed in.¿Hiciste algo ayer? - No. Tenía un dolor de cabeza así que me quedé en casa.
Do you want to go out for a drink? - I'm tired. Let's stay in and watch a movie.¿Quieres salir a tomar un trago? - Estoy cansada. Quedémonos en casa y veamos una película.
a. quedarse en su sitio
Make sure the box is tightly closed so everything stays in.Asegúrate de que la tapa este bien ajustada para que todo se quede en su sitio.
3. (old-fashioned) (to stay after school)
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
a. quedarse después de clases
One of the students was made to stay in for his rude behavior.Uno de los alumnos fue obligado a quedarse después de clases por su comportamiento descarado.
