a mí mismo
/a mi mismo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'myself' is expressed as a mí mismo.
While the short pronoun me is the standard way to indicate that an action is performed on oneself, the phrase a mí mismo is used to provide emphasis or to ensure the meaning is clear and unambiguous.
Meaning: me, reflexive form of me (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition a (to), the stressed pronoun mí (me) and the adjective mismo (self/same).
Which one should you use?
The pronoun me is the standard reflexive marker used in almost every sentence. In contrast, a mí mismo is the emphatic form used specifically to highlight that the speaker is the one performing or receiving the action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mismo functions as an intensive adjective indicating the same person is performing the action. If the speaker is female, you must change the adjective to the feminine form a mí misma.
How do you pronounce it?
/a mi mismo/
Did you know?
- The word mismo comes from the Vulgar Latin word *metipsimus, which was used to express 'the very same' with extreme intensity.
- The adjective mismo is a linguistic relative of the French word même, as both evolved from the same emphatic Latin roots.
- In Spanish, the word mismo handles two different English concepts: 'the very same' and 'self'.
Examples in context
- Me odio a mí mismo.I hate myself.This sentence demonstrates using a mí mismo to express self-hatred.Tatoeba #5961529 by diegohn, translation #1779951 by Spamster
- No me gusto a mí mismo.I don't like myself.This sentence shows the emphatic use of a mí mismo when expressing a lack of self-liking.Tatoeba #1775715 by marcelostockle, translation #1775714 by marcelostockle
- No me miento a mí mismo.I don't lie to myself.This sentence illustrates using a mí mismo to emphasize that one does not lie to oneself.Tatoeba #10216974 by Shishir, translation #10611940 by DJ_Saidez
- No necesito ayuda, lo haré yo mismo.I don't need help, I'll do it myself.
- Me voy a comprar un regalo para mí mismo.I'm going to buy a gift for myself.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about their personal goals.
- SofíaQuiero demostrarme a mí mismo que puedo lograrlo.I want to prove to myself that I can do it.
- AlejandroTienes mucha confianza, Sofía.You have a lot of confidence, Sofía.
- SofíaSolo trato de ser honesta a mí mismo.I'm just trying to be honest with myself.
- AlejandroEso es lo más importante.That is the most important thing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, mismo, mí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
