por mi cuenta
/poɾ mi kwenta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "on my own" is translated into Spanish as por mi cuenta.
por mi cuenta is used to indicate that someone is doing something independently or without help from others. It is also commonly used to describe someone who is working as a freelancer or is self-employed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "by my account".
Which one should you use?
While both phrases can be translated as "alone", por mi cuenta emphasizes performing a task without assistance, whereas solo/a emphasizes being physically alone or lacking company.
Did you know?
- If you say you are doing something por mi cuenta, you might also be implying that you are paying for it yourself. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, the phrase can double as a way to say you are covering your own expenses.
- While por mi cuenta means independently, adding one word creates por cuenta ajena, which means working for someone else or on someone else's behalf.
- The word cuenta is also the word for a 'bead' on a necklace or a 'bill' at a restaurant.
Examples in context
- Estoy por mi cuenta.I'm on my own.This sentence shows how to say you are on your own using por mi cuenta.Tatoeba #4947994 by Francisco_M, translation #2649212 by CK
- Yo prefiero trabajar por mi cuenta.I prefer to work on my own.This sentence expresses a preference for working on your own using por mi cuenta.Tatoeba #1210222 by marcelostockle, translation #264421 by CK
- Tuve que hacerlo todo por mi cuenta.I had to do everything on my own.This sentence describes having to complete a task entirely on your own using por mi cuenta.Tatoeba #1711137 by marcelostockle, translation #1534504 by erikspen
- Intento solucionar este problema por mi cuenta.I'm trying to solve this problem on my own.
- Prefiero hacerlo por mí misma.I prefer to do it on my own.
- Prefiero salir solo(a) esta noche.I prefer to go out on my own tonight.
- Me gusta caminar por mi cuenta.I like to walk on my own.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a new business project.
- MateoQuiero empezar este proyecto por mi cuenta.I want to start this project on my own.
- SofíaPero es mucho trabajo para una sola persona.But it's a lot of work for one person.
- MateoLo sé, pero prefiero organizarlo por mi cuenta.I know, but I prefer to organize it on my own.
- SofíaEstá bien, Mateo. ¡Mucha suerte!All right, Mateo. Good luck!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
