What does proprio mean?
The Italian word proprio is one of those little words you’ll hear all the time in everyday conversation. It’s short but versatile, and its meaning changes depending on the context.
In this guide, you’ll learn the five main uses of proprio in Italian, with examples and translations.
1. Proprio as really
As an adverb, proprio often means “really”.
- Quello studente è proprio bravo! → That student is really good!
- Mi piace proprio il nuovo film di Sorrentino. → I really like Sorrentino’s new movie.
2. Proprio as just
Proprio can also mean “just”, especially when combined with time expressions (adesso, ora) or numbers.
- Ho finito di cenare proprio adesso. → I just finished dinner now.
- Maria mi ha chiamato proprio due minuti fa. → Maria called me just two minutes ago.
3. Proprio as Own (Possessive Adjective)
As a possessive adjective, proprio changes its ending to match the noun: proprio, propria, proprie, propri.
- Marco lava la propria macchina. → Marco washes his own car.
- Lucia accompagna a scuola i propri figli. → Lucia takes her own children to school.
Note: In the third person, proprio works like suo/sua/suoi/sue, but it is required when the sentence is impersonal (the subject is not specified).
- Ognuno deve pensare alla propria salute. → Everyone must think about their own health.
- Bisogna pensare ai propri interessi. → One must think about one’s own interests.
4. Proprio as an Intensifier (One’s Own)
When combined with another possessive adjective, proprio adds emphasis to ownership.
- Vivo nella mia propria casa. → I live in my own house.
- È il suo proprio lavoro. → It’s his own job.
5. Proprio as At All
In negative sentences, proprio strengthens the statement, similar to “at all.”
- Non mi piace proprio! → I don’t like it at all!
- Oggi non mi sento proprio bene! → I don’t feel well at all today!
- Non voglio proprio vederlo! → I don’t want to see him at all!
Common Expressions with Proprio
- Lavorare in proprio → to be self-employed
- Mettersi in proprio → to start one’s own business
- Non proprio → not really
- Proprio così! → exactly!
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