propios
/pro-pios/
own
When we talk about something being our propio (own), we emphasize possession.
propios(Adjective)
own
?emphasizing possession
,proper
?characteristic or suitable
characteristic
?typical of a group or thing
📝 In Action
Ellos construyeron sus propios estadios.
A2They built their own stadiums.
Estos son los riesgos propios de la inversión.
B1These are the risks characteristic of investment.
Necesitamos métodos propios para resolver el conflicto.
B2We need proper/suitable methods to resolve the conflict.
💡 Grammar Points
Emphasizing Ownership
When 'propio' means 'own,' it usually comes before the noun (e.g., 'mis propios libros'). This makes the meaning stronger than just using a possessive word like 'mis'.
Agreement is Key
Since 'propios' is masculine and plural, it must always match a masculine plural thing it describes (e.g., 'los regalos propios', not 'las regalos propios').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Redundancy with Possessives
Mistake: "Usar solo 'propio' sin el posesivo (e.g., 'Tengo propios libros')."
Correction: Always use a possessive word with 'propio' when emphasizing ownership: 'Tengo mis propios libros' (I have my own books).
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement for Emphasis
Placing 'propios' after the noun usually shifts the meaning to 'proper' or 'characteristic' (e.g., 'los problemas propios'). Placing it before usually means 'own' (e.g., 'sus propios problemas').
Propios can refer to one's own people, like family or close associates, who share a strong bond.
propios(Noun)
one's own people
?family or close associates
relatives
?members of one's family
,possessions
?one's own belongings (less common)
📝 In Action
Los propios de la región no quieren cambios.
B1The people native to the region do not want changes.
Llevó a cabo la misión junto a los suyos y sus propios.
C1He carried out the mission alongside his people and his relatives.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective acting as Noun
When you put a definite article (like 'los') or a possessive word (like 'sus') in front of 'propios,' it stops being an adjective and starts acting like a noun, standing in for 'my people' or 'my things'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Using 'los propios' to mean 'relatives' is often found in slightly more formal writing or speech. In casual conversation, people usually just say 'mi familia' or 'mis parientes'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: propios
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'propios' to mean 'characteristic' rather than 'own'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I sometimes see 'propio' and sometimes 'propios'?
'Propios' is the form you use when the thing you are describing is masculine and there is more than one of it (plural), like 'libros' (books). If it were just one book, you would use 'propio' (el libro propio).
Is 'propio' always necessary when I mean 'own'?
No, but it adds emphasis. If you say 'Mi casa' (My house), that's fine. If you say 'Mi propia casa' (My *own* house), you are stressing that it belongs specifically to you and not someone else.