Meaning
To feel comfortable and relaxed, as if you are in your own home.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'Make yourself at home' often implies that the guest can help themselves to water or snacks in the kitchen without asking every time. It is a sign of 'informal' hospitality. British hospitality can be slightly more reserved, but 'feel at home' is still the standard. It is often followed by an offer of tea, which is the ultimate 'at home' symbol in the UK. While the English phrase is used, the cultural equivalent involves the host physically serving the guest constantly. Telling someone to 'feel at home' might be seen as a bit too hands-off for a traditional Italian host. The concept of 'Uchi' (inside/home) vs 'Soto' (outside) is very strong. To tell someone to 'feel at home' is to invite them into the 'Uchi' circle, which is a significant social gesture.
Use 'Right'
Add 'right' to sound more natural: 'I feel right at home.'
Preposition Alert
Never say 'feel in home.' It's always 'at home.'
Meaning
To feel comfortable and relaxed, as if you are in your own home.
Use 'Right'
Add 'right' to sound more natural: 'I feel right at home.'
Preposition Alert
Never say 'feel in home.' It's always 'at home.'
Complimenting Hosts
Telling a host 'You've made me feel so at home' is one of the best compliments you can give in English-speaking cultures.
Shoes Off?
Even if a host says 'make yourself at home,' always ask 'Should I take my shoes off?' before doing so!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
I didn't like the city at first, but now I feel ____ home here.
The fixed expression is 'at home.'
Which sentence is a common way to welcome a guest?
A friend just arrived at your apartment. What do you say?
'Make yourself at home' is the standard idiomatic way to tell a guest to relax.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'She is really at home with Python programming.'
'At home with [subject]' means to be skilled or familiar with it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'How do you like the new apartment?' B: 'It's great. I _________ already.'
'Feel at home' describes the speaker's emotional state of comfort.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
At Home vs. Like Home
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI didn't like the city at first, but now I feel ____ home here.
The fixed expression is 'at home.'
A friend just arrived at your apartment. What do you say?
'Make yourself at home' is the standard idiomatic way to tell a guest to relax.
Sentence: 'She is really at home with Python programming.'
'At home with [subject]' means to be skilled or familiar with it.
A: 'How do you like the new apartment?' B: 'It's great. I _________ already.'
'Feel at home' describes the speaker's emotional state of comfort.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with your boss to show you are comfortable in your role.
No, that sounds like you are literally in your house. Use 'I feel at home' for the idiom.
'Feel at home' is your feeling. 'Make yourself at home' is what a host says to a guest.
Yes! 'I feel at home with you' means you feel very safe and comfortable with that person.
Never use 'the.' It is always 'at home.'
Yes, 'I felt at home' is very common.
It's deeper than 'comfortable.' It implies a sense of belonging and being welcome.
Both! It is a universal English expression.
Yes, it means you are very good at math and find it easy.
It's a place you visit often where you feel just as comfortable as in your own house.
Yes, because you aren't literally in your house.
You can say 'Thank you, you have a lovely place' or 'Thanks, I will!'
Related Phrases
Make yourself at home
specialized formAn invitation for a guest to relax.
A home away from home
similarA place where you feel as comfortable as your own home.
In one's element
similarTo be in a situation where you are happy and successful.
At ease
synonymRelaxed and confident.
Like a fish out of water
contrastTo feel very uncomfortable in a specific situation.
