propio

/pro-pyo/

own

A small child happily hugging a unique, bright red toy cube, emphasizing that it is theirs.

Propio means "own," emphasizing that something belongs to someone exclusively. (Tengo mi propio coche - I have my own car.)

propio(Adjective)

mA2

own

as in 'one's own thing'

Also:

one's own

📝 In Action

Tengo mi propio coche, así que no necesito el tuyo.

I have my own car, so I don't need yours.

Ella quiere vivir en su propia casa.

She wants to live in her own house.

Cada estudiante tiene sus propios libros.

Each student has their own books.

Word Connections

Antonyms

ajeno (someone else's, foreign)

Common Collocations

por mi propia cuenta – on my own / by myself
en defensa propia – in self-defense
amor propio – self-esteem, self-respect

💡 Grammar Points

Making it Match

'Propio' changes to match the thing it describes. If the word is feminine, use 'propia'. If it's plural, add an 's': 'propio' (masculine), 'propia' (feminine), 'propios' (masculine plural), 'propias' (feminine plural).

Where It Goes

To mean 'own', 'propio' usually comes after a word like 'mi', 'tu', or 'su' (my, your, his/her) and before the noun. For example: 'mi propio cuarto' (my own room).

❌ Common Pitfalls

'Own' vs. 'Alone'

Mistake: "Quiero mi coche solo."

Correction: Quiero mi propio coche. Saying 'mi coche solo' can sound like you want 'only my car' or 'my car by itself'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Adding Emphasis

Use 'propio' to really stress that something belongs to someone and isn't borrowed or shared. It adds a layer of emphasis that just saying 'mi coche' (my car) doesn't have.

A curious cat perched on a fence, leaning forward intently to peer at a small, fluttering butterfly.

Propio de means "typical of" or "characteristic of," describing a common trait. (Esa curiosidad es propia de los gatos - That curiosity is typical of cats.)

propio(Adjective)

mB1

typical of

describing a characteristic

Also:

characteristic of

peculiar to

📝 In Action

Esa curiosidad es propia de los gatos.

That curiosity is typical of cats.

Es un error propio de principiantes.

It's a mistake characteristic of beginners.

La puntualidad no es algo propio de él.

Punctuality is not something typical of him.

Word Connections

Synonyms

característico (characteristic)
típico (typical)

Common Collocations

propio de – typical of / characteristic of

💡 Grammar Points

The 'de' Connection

This meaning almost always uses the structure: (ser) + propio + de + [someone/something]. The 'de' is the key that unlocks this meaning, connecting the characteristic to the person or group.

⭐ Usage Tips

Sound More Advanced

This is a great way to describe the nature of something or someone. Instead of saying 'Los niños son así' (Kids are like that), you can sound more specific by saying 'Ese comportamiento es propio de los niños' (That behavior is typical of children).

A king in a crown and regal robes personally opening a large, heavy wooden door, emphasizing that he is doing it without assistance.

Propio is used for emphasis, often meaning "himself," "herself," or "itself." (El propio presidente anunció la noticia - The president himself announced the news.)

propio(Adjective)

mB2

very

used for emphasis, e.g., 'the very same day'

Also:

itself / himself / herself

e.g., 'the director himself'

📝 In Action

El propio presidente anunció la noticia.

The president himself announced the news.

La solución se encuentra en el propio problema.

The solution is found in the problem itself.

Lo vi con mis propios ojos.

I saw it with my own (very) eyes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

mismo (same, himself/herself)

💡 Grammar Points

Placement is Everything

For this meaning, 'propio' comes before the noun it's describing. Compare: 'el propio director' (the director himself) vs. 'el director propio' (the suitable director). The position changes the meaning completely.

⭐ Usage Tips

An 'Intensifier'

Think of 'propio' in this sense as a highlighter pen. You're using it to draw special attention to the word that follows, often to add a sense of surprise or authority.

A hand choosing a perfectly sized wrench from a disorganized toolbox filled with many unsuitable items like a spoon, a feather, and a shoe.

Propio can mean "proper" or "suitable," indicating that something is correct for the situation. (Debes usar la herramienta propia - You must use the proper tool.)

propio(Adjective)

mB2

proper

correct or suitable for a situation

Also:

appropriate

suitable

📝 In Action

Debes usar la herramienta propia para este trabajo.

You must use the proper tool for this job.

No es el vocabulario propio para una conversación formal.

That is not the appropriate vocabulary for a formal conversation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

adecuado (adequate, suitable)
apropiado (appropriate)
correcto (correct)

Antonyms

impropio (improper, inappropriate)

⭐ Usage Tips

Choosing Your Word

In many cases, you can use 'apropiado' or 'adecuado' instead of 'propio' for this meaning. 'Propio' can sometimes sound slightly more formal or definitive.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: propio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'propio' to mean 'typical of'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

propiedad(property, ownership) - noun

propietario/a(owner, proprietor) - noun

apropiado(appropriate) - adjective

impropio(improper) - adjective

apropiarse(to appropriate, to take possession of) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'mi propio coche' and 'el propio coche'?

It's all about where 'propio' is placed! 'Mi propio coche' means 'my own car,' stressing ownership. When 'propio' comes before the noun like in 'el propio coche', it means 'the car itself' or 'the very car,' adding emphasis to the car, not the ownership.

Can I just use 'mío' instead of 'propio'?

They're close, but not quite the same. 'Este coche es mío' means 'This car is mine.' It states ownership. 'Este es mi propio coche' also states ownership but with extra emphasis, as if to say '...and not someone else's.' You use 'propio' to really highlight the 'own' part.