How to use “proprio”: Italian grammar lesson 37

Discover the various uses of “proprio” in Italian grammar with this article. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate learner, understanding the proper usage of “proprio” can greatly improve your language skills. Read on to learn more!

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Summary

This article delves into the various uses of the word "proprio" in Italian grammar. The versatile nature of "proprio" can make it challenging for learners to understand its proper usage in different contexts. Through this article, learners will gain a better understanding of the various meanings and applications of "proprio" and improve their Italian language skills. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate learner of Italian, this article is a valuable resource to enhance your knowledge and confidence in using "proprio" correctly.

Proprio in Italian

If you have been studying Italian, you surely have heard the word proprio in all kinds of conversations.

This is a typical Italian word and if you pay attention, you will find it is one of the most common words native speakers use.

Sei proprio sicuro che tutti verranno con la propria macchina?

Are you really sure that everyone will come in their own car?

What you might be unsure about is how to use proprio, as it appears to have a wide variety of meanings and uses!

So, let’s look at all the different meanings of proprio to learn how to use it correctly.

proprio use italian

Proprio as “one’s own”

First of all, proprio is used in Italian as a possessive adjective that can replace suo, sua, suoi, sue (his/her), or loro (their).

Giulia ama il proprio – Giulia ama il suo lavoro.

Giulia loves his own job.

Rimetti i piatti al proprio – Rimetti i piatti al loro posto.

Put the plates back in their (own) place.

In this case, proprio makes the sentence clearer as to whom we are talking about (like adding “own” in English).

On the other hand, proprio must be used as a possessive adjective with impersonal constructions (“one’s own”).

Si sta sempre bene a casa propria.

One always feels good at one’s own

Bisogna sempre dare la priorità al proprio

One must always prioritize one’s own well-being.

Remember, the word proprio as a possessive adjective must agree with the noun it describes in gender and number, and it is almost always preceded by an article unless it comes after the noun.

a casa propria

at one’s own home

di produzione propria

of one’s own production

proprio really italian

Proprio as exactly, just, precisely

As we already mentioned, the word proprio has other meanings in Italian.

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In its masculine singular form, it can be used to mean “really”, “just,” or “exactly”, depending on the context.

  • Really:

Questo succo è proprio

This juice is really good.

Non so proprio.

I really don’t know.

  • Just:

Ho finito proprio ieri.

I just finished yesterday.

Ho chiamato Giulio proprio

I just called Giulio this morning.

  • Exactly:

Questo è proprio ciò che volevo.

This is exactly what I wanted.

Proprio così!

Exactly!

If used in a negative construction, it can be an intensifier meaning “at all”:

Questa pizza non mi piace proprio.

I don’t like this pizza at all.

Oggi non voglio proprio

Today I don’t want to work at all.

own risk Italian

Proprio in Italian expressions

Proprio is used in many Italian colloquial expressions; here are some you might want to know!

A proprio rischio e pericolo.

At one’s own risk.

Essere/sentirsi a proprio agio.

To be/feel at ease

Amor proprio

Self-esteem

Lavorare in proprio

To be self-employed

A word that is often used together with proprio is spero (I hope).

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FAQs on How to use “proprio”: Italian grammar lesson 37

What does proprio mean in Italian?

Proprio is a term that can be translated to "own" in English. It is used as a possessive adjective to indicate ownership of something. Depending on the context, proprio can indicate possession by the speaker (my own), the listener (your own), or a third person (his own, her own, our own, their own).

What does "proprio in gamba" mean?

In italian it means "I am feeling quite capable and confident." The phrase "in gamba" can refer to both physical fitness as well as figurative strength. However, it is more commonly used to describe someone who is smart, capable, and determined.

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3 Responses

  1. I have a question about “Questo succo è proprio.” Is proprio an adverb here, and the adjective it modifies (buono) omitted as a sort of slangy way of speaking? Or is proprio here an adjective, so if the subject were feminine it would change to propria? Questa bevanda è proprio ?? or Questa bevanda è propria?

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