How to Say "-self" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “-self” is “mismo” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Yo mismo preparé la cena.
I prepared the dinner myself.
La directora misma me lo dijo.
The director herself told me.
Puedes hacerlo tú mismo.
You can do it yourself.
Word Order for Emphasis
To add emphasis, 'mismo' comes right after the person or thing you're highlighting. For example, 'el rey mismo' means 'the king himself'.
Still Needs to Match
Just like the other adjectival use, this 'mismo' must change to match the gender and number of the person it's emphasizing (e.g., 'nosotras mismas' - we ourselves).
Mixing up '-self'
Mistake: “Don't confuse 'yo mismo' (for emphasis) with 'me lavo' (I wash myself). The first adds importance, the second shows an action you do to yourself.”
Correction: Use 'mismo' for emphasis ('I did it myself!'), not for daily routine actions ('I showered myself').
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