propio
/ˈpɾopjo/
The Spanish phrase for "my own" is propio.
The phrase is used to emphasize that something belongs to a particular person. Note that depending on the context, propio can also mean "actual" or "real", such as in the phrase su propio lenguaje, which can be translated as either "its own language" or "its actual language".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word propio must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use propio for masculine singular nouns, propia for feminine singular nouns, propios for masculine plural nouns and propias for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾopjo/
Did you know?
- The phrase de mi propia cosecha literally means 'from my own harvest' but is used idiomatically to say a story or excuse was made up by the speaker.
- In some Spanish dialects, lo propio is used as a slang phrase to mean 'the usual thing' or 'the expected outcome'.
- Because propio relates to the individual, it is often the root for words used in philosophy and psychology to describe the 'self' or 'one's essence'.
Examples in context
- Soy mi propio jefe.I'm my own boss.This sentence shows how to use propio to say one is their own boss.Tatoeba #1868770 by Shishir, translation #1864469 by Spamster
- ¿Soy mi propio jefe?Am I my own boss?This sentence uses propio in a question about being one's own boss.Tatoeba #7586178 by arh, translation #12096583 by shekitten
- Llevo mi propio negocio.I run my own business.This sentence demonstrates using propio when discussing running one's own business.Tatoeba #2405702 by Shishir, translation #2404172 by CK
- Tengo mi propia oficina en la empresa.I have my own office in the company.
- La decisión es mía.The decision is mine.
- Tengo mi propia casa.I have my own house.
- El perro tiene su propio juguete.The dog has its own toy.
- Tengo mi propio estilo de vida.I have my own lifestyle.
- Llevo mi propia mochila al colegio.I carry my own backpack to school.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about their apartments.
- AlejandroFinalmente tengo mi propio apartamento.I finally have my own apartment.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿Te gusta el barrio?That's great! Do you like the neighborhood?
- AlejandroSí, y puedo decorar mi propio espacio.Yes, and I can decorate my own space.
- MaríaEso es lo mejor de todo.That is the best part of all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry propio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
