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propio means own — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 14, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

propio

adjective • /[PRO-pee-oh]/

own

Example:

Trae tu propia botella de agua.

Bring your own water bottle.

🧠 What does propio mean?

The Spanish word 'propio' translates to 'own' in English. It's a very useful adjective that emphasizes possession or belonging. It can refer to physical objects, characteristics, actions, or even ideas. 'Propio' often adds a nuance of inherent or characteristic quality, something intrinsic to the person or thing being discussed.

📚 Extra examples

  • Uso mi propio coche.
    I use my own car.
  • Tiene su propio estilo.
    They have their own style.
  • Es un problema propio de la adolescencia.
    It's a problem typical of adolescence.
  • Ella misma se preparó su propia comida.
    She prepared her own food herself.
  • El restaurante tiene su propio encanto.
    The restaurant has its own charm.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'propio' primarily means 'own', it can also subtly emphasize the inherent nature of something. For instance, 'un sabor propio' not only means 'its own flavor' but also suggests a unique or distinctive flavor.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "propio"

Synonyms: personal, particular, mismo

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'own' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'own' in Spanish is 'propio'.
How do you pronounce 'propio' in Spanish?
It's pronounced PRO-pee-o, with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'propio' in a sentence?
You can use 'propio' before a noun, like 'mi propio libro' (my own book), or after the verb 'ser' to describe a characteristic, like 'Es propio de él' (It's typical of him).
What is the English translation of 'propio'?
'Propio' translates to 'own', 'very', 'characteristic', or 'typical' depending on the context.
Does 'propio' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'propio' agrees with the noun it modifies. For example, 'propia casa' (feminine singular), 'propios coches' (masculine plural), 'propias ideas' (feminine plural).
Is 'propio' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'propio' is a very common word in both spoken and written Spanish.
Does 'propio' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. 'Propio' has a pretty straightforward meaning. In some contexts, it can mean 'suitable' or 'appropriate', but this is a standard usage, not slang.
Is 'propio' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage and meaning of 'propio' are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.

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