Inklingo
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dueña

/DWEY-nyah/

owner

A happy woman standing next to a brown dog, holding its leash, illustrating ownership.

As an owner, the dueña is responsible for her pet.

dueña(noun)

fA2

owner

?

of an object, animal, or property

,

proprietor

?

of a business or establishment

Also:

landlady

?

of a rented property

📝 In Action

La dueña de este coche está furiosa.

A2

The owner of this car is furious.

Mi hermana es la dueña de la panadería del pueblo.

B1

My sister is the proprietor of the town bakery.

¿Quién es la dueña de este perro tan lindo?

A2

Who is the owner of this cute dog?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • propietaria (proprietor)
  • poseedora (possessor)

Antonyms

  • inquilina (tenant)
  • empleada (employee)

Common Collocations

  • la dueña de casa – the lady/owner of the house
  • ser dueña de sí misma – to be her own boss / to be self-possessed

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Matching

Since 'dueña' refers to a woman, you must use the feminine form of the definite article ('la') and any connecting adjectives must also be feminine.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the masculine form incorrectly

Mistake: "El dueña de la tienda."

Correction: La dueña de la tienda. Remember, 'dueña' is exclusively feminine; use 'dueño' for a male owner.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'de'

Always use the preposition 'de' (of) immediately after 'dueña' to specify what she owns: 'dueña de la casa' (owner of the house).

A formally dressed woman standing confidently in the grand doorway of an elegant, historical mansion, representing the lady of the house.

In a formal or historical context, dueña refers to the mistress or lady of the house.

dueña(noun)

fB2

mistress

?

lady of the house (historical/formal)

,

controller

?

having mastery over a situation or emotion

Also:

ruler

?

figurative, e.g., 'ruler of her destiny'

📝 In Action

Ella se siente dueña de su destino y toma todas las decisiones.

B2

She feels mistress of her destiny and makes all the decisions.

La dueña de la casa me recibió en la puerta con gran hospitalidad.

C1

The lady of the house received me at the door with great hospitality.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ama (mistress, housekeeper)
  • patrona (boss, patron)

Common Collocations

  • dueña de la situación – in control of the situation

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'dueña' means having emotional or strategic control, not necessarily physical ownership. Think of it as 'mastery' or 'being in charge.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: dueña

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'dueña'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'dueña' and 'ama'?

'Dueña' specifically emphasizes legal ownership (like owning a car or a house). 'Ama' is often used in the context of 'ama de casa' (homemaker/mistress of the house) or sometimes means having control, but 'dueña' is the standard term for a legal owner.

How do I say 'male owner'?

The male equivalent is 'dueño'. The feminine form 'dueña' is used exclusively for women.