propios
“propios” means “own” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
own, proper
Also: characteristic
📝 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.
one's own people
Also: relatives, possessions
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: propios
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'propios' to mean 'characteristic' rather than 'own'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *proprius*, which meant 'one's own' or 'special.' This root gave rise to words related to ownership, like 'property' in English.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
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.