Inklingo

How to Say "autonomous" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “autonomous” is “autónomo” — use 'autónomo' when referring to a person, place, or thing that operates independently, makes its own decisions, or functions automatically without external control, especially in a personal or organizational context.

English → Spanish

autónomo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'autónomo' when referring to a person, place, or thing that operates independently, makes its own decisions, or functions automatically without external control, especially in a personal or organizational context.

Examples

El robot es completamente autónomo y puede realizar tareas sin supervisión.

The robot is completely autonomous and can perform tasks without supervision.

independiente

een-deh-pehn-dee-EHN-tehin.de.penˈdjen.te

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'independiente' when emphasizing a state of not relying on others for support, especially financially, or when describing someone who is self-reliant and makes their own choices.
A bright red balloon floating high in a clear blue sky, completely untethered, symbolizing freedom and independence.

Examples

A su edad, es importante que los hijos se vuelvan económicamente independientes.

At their age, it's important for children to become financially independent.

Mi hermana es muy joven, pero ya es económicamente **independiente**.

My sister is very young, but she is already financially **independent**.

Necesitamos crear un sistema de justicia **independiente** del gobierno.

We need to create a justice system **independent** of the government.

Always Stays the Same

Unlike most Spanish adjectives (like 'rojo' or 'roja'), 'independiente' is special because its form does not change when describing masculine or feminine nouns. You say 'el país independiente' and 'la persona independiente'.

Adding an 'a' for women

Mistake: “Ella es muy independienta.”

Correction: Ella es muy independiente. ('Independiente' works for both genders, so don't try to change the ending!)

soberano

so-be-RA-nosobeˈɾano

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'soberano' exclusively for political contexts, referring to a country or state that has supreme power and self-government, free from external control.
A single, bright green island in a calm blue ocean, standing alone and free.

Examples

La ONU respeta la integridad territorial y la soberanía de todos sus estados miembros.

The UN respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all its member states.

Chile es un país soberano.

Chile is a sovereign country.

Debemos respetar la voluntad soberana del pueblo.

We must respect the sovereign will of the people.

Esa decisión es un derecho soberano de cada estado.

That decision is a sovereign right of every state.

Changing the Ending

This word changes its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'soberano' for masculine words (like 'país') and 'soberana' for feminine words (like 'nación').

Word Order

Mistake: “Un soberano estado.”

Correction: Un estado soberano.

Autónomo vs. Independiente

Learners often confuse 'autónomo' and 'independiente' because they both convey a sense of self-sufficiency. While 'independiente' frequently refers to financial or emotional freedom from others, 'autónomo' often implies the ability to act or function on one's own, like a machine or a child taking initiative.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.