What it's NOT
proper does NOT translate to propio.
To say "propio" in English, use own.
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False cognate · False friend
proper
Does NOT mean propio
It means correct / appropriate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
proper means correct / appropriate.
Why it's confused
Spanish "propio" is what belongs to someone or is characteristic of something. English "proper" is what is correct, appropriate, or fitting according to established norms. Spanish "propio" in English is "own."
How it's pronounced
properPRÓ-per
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Examples of correct use
English
Wear proper shoes for hiking.
Spanish
Usa el calzado adecuado para caminar.
English
Do it the proper way.
Spanish
Hazlo de la manera correcta.
A trick to remember it
Proper = correct/appropriate. One's own (Spanish "propio") = own.
Mini quiz
"The proper way" is the way that is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "proper" mean in English?
"Proper" means "correct / appropriate". It looks a lot like "propio", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "propio" in English?
To say "propio" in English, use "own". If you use "proper" instead, you would actually be saying "correct / appropriate".
Do "proper" and "propio" mean the same thing?
Spanish "propio" is what belongs to someone or is characteristic of something. English "proper" is what is correct, appropriate, or fitting according to established norms. Spanish "propio" in English is "own."
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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