Inklingo
← Dictionary

autónomo

ow-TOH-no-mo/awˈtonomo/

“autónomo” means “self-employed worker” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

self-employed worker, freelancer

Also: sole trader
NounmA2
A person working happily at a wooden desk in a cozy home office with a laptop and a cup of coffee.

📝 In Action

Mi tío es autónomo y tiene una pequeña tienda de ropa.

A2

My uncle is self-employed and has a small clothing store.

Ser autónomo en España implica pagar una cuota mensual.

B1

Being self-employed in Spain involves paying a monthly fee.

Muchos diseñadores prefieren trabajar como autónomos.

B1

Many designers prefer to work as freelancers.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cuentapropista (working for oneself)
  • freelance (freelancer)

Antonyms

  • asalariado (employee)
  • empleado (employee)

Common Collocations

  • trabajador autónomo – self-employed worker
  • cuota de autónomo – freelance tax/fee
  • darse de alta como autónomo – to register as self-employed

independent, autonomous

Also: self-driving
Spain
A small robot moving forward on its own across a clean floor.

📝 In Action

Queremos que los niños sean más autónomos en el colegio.

B1

We want the children to be more independent at school.

El coche autónomo es una gran innovación tecnológica.

B2

The self-driving car is a great technological innovation.

Madrid es una comunidad autónoma de España.

B1

Madrid is an autonomous community of Spain.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • coche autónomo – self-driving car
  • comunidad autónoma – autonomous region
  • aprendizaje autónomo – self-directed learning

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "autónomo" in Spanish:

self-driving→self-employed worker→sole trader→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: autónomo

Question 1 of 3

If someone in Spain says 'Soy autónomo', what do they mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
autonomía(autonomy/independence) — Noun
autonómico(relating to an autonomous region) — Adjective
automatizar(to automate) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
astrónomoecónomo
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek 'autos' (self) and 'nomos' (law or rule). It literally means 'someone who lives by their own rules' or 'self-governing'.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: autonomousFrench: autonomeItalian: autonomo

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'autónomo' and 'freelance'?

In Spanish, 'autónomo' is the formal and legal term for tax purposes. 'Freelance' is often used as a loanword in modern industries like graphic design or journalism, but it's less formal.

Is an 'autónomo' the same as a business owner?

Yes, usually a small business owner who works for themselves. If the business grows very large, they might form a company (SL), but they often start as an 'autónomo'.

Can 'autónomo' describe a student?

Yes! If you say a student is 'autónomo', you mean they are independent and don't need a teacher's constant help to study.