amor propio
/aˌmoɾ ˈpɾopjo/masculine
The English phrase 'self-love' is translated into Spanish as amor propio.
Amor propio refers to regard for oneself. It is used in two main ways: in psychological contexts to describe self-care and self-regard, and in social contexts to describe someone protecting their dignity or pride.
Meaning: regard for oneself (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of amor (love) and propio (own), literally translating to 'own love'.
Which one should you use?
While amor propio can mean self-love, it is also frequently used to mean 'self-esteem' or 'pride' in the sense of one's sense of dignity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the expression Amarse a sí mismo/a is a common way to say 'to love oneself' and is synonymous with quererse a uno/a mismo/a.
How does it change in a sentence?
Amor propio is a masculine noun phrase and does not change its form to indicate a person's gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˌmoɾ ˈpɾopjo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying someone has too much amor propio can be a subtle way of calling them 'vain' or 'stubborn' rather than complimenting their self-care.
- The word propio in the phrase amor propio shares a common ancestor with the English word 'property', as both trace back to the Latin concept of something being 'one's own'.
- While amor propio is a noun, the verb quererse is frequently used for self-love. This is surprising because querer usually means 'to want' in basic lessons, but here it functions as 'to love'.
Examples in context
- El amor propio es fundamental para el bienestar personalSelf-love is fundamental for personal well-being
- No olvides cuidarte y valorarte cada díaDon't forget to take care of and value yourself every day
- Aprender a amarse a sí mismo/a es clave para la felicidadLearning to love oneself is key to happiness
- Es importante cultivar el amor propio.It is important to cultivate self-love.
- El amor propio es fundamental para la salud mental.Self-love is fundamental for mental health.
- Necesitas trabajar en tu amor propio.You need to work on your self-love.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about personal growth in a cafe.
- SofíaA veces olvido cuidar mi amor propio.Sometimes I forget to take care of my self-love.
- AlejandroEs importante que te valores, Sofía.It is important that you value yourself, Sofia.
- SofíaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEl amor propio te hará más feliz.Self-love will make you happier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “self-love” translations and entries amor propio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amor, propio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
