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How to Say "the very" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mismo

/mees-moh//ˈmizmo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'mismo' when 'the very' functions as an intensifier, meaning 'the exact' or 'the same,' often emphasizing that someone or something is identical to what is being discussed.
A proud woman pointing to her own chest with both thumbs, with a subtle glow around her to indicate she did something herself.

Examples

Fue el mismo día en que nos conocimos.

It was the very day we met.

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').

propia

/PRO-pya//ˈpɾopja/

AdjectiveB2Formal/Literary
Use 'propia' for emphasis, often to highlight that something belongs to or originates from the subject itself, implying 'its own' or 'inherent'.
An aerial view showing a highly structured, central, walled city standing distinctly separate from the less organized, scattered houses of the surrounding outskirts.

Examples

La respuesta estaba en la pregunta propia.

The solution was in the question itself.

La solución está en la pregunta propia.

The solution is in the question itself.

No vivimos en la ciudad propia, sino en las afueras.

We don't live in the city proper, but in the outskirts.

Hablamos de la naturaleza propia de la vida.

We're talking about the very nature of life.

Another Way to Add Emphasis

Similar to 'misma', using 'propia' after a noun can add emphasis, like saying 'the thing itself' or 'the very thing'. It points back to the noun to say 'this specific one and no other'.

Choosing Between 'Mismo' and 'Propia'

Learners often confuse 'mismo' and 'propia' because both can add emphasis. Remember that 'mismo' usually means 'the exact same,' while 'propia' emphasizes self-possession or inherent quality, often translating to 'its own'.

Related Translations

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