Meaning · adverb
really, quite, indeed
- just, quite, exactly
- (intensifier) very, right, at all
In a sentence
Questo caffè è proprio buono oggi.
This coffee is really good today.
Hai proprio finito tutto il lavoro?
Did you really finish all the work?
Non ho proprio capito cosa vuoi dire.
I really didn't understand what you mean.
Usage notes
- Use 'proprio' for emphasis, not just 'molto'. 'È proprio buono' = 'It’s really good', not just 'very'.
- Avoid overusing 'proprio' in formal writing; 'davvero' or 'veramente' often sound more polished.
- In negatives, 'proprio' intensifies: 'Non mi piace proprio' = 'I really don’t like it at all'.
Meaning · adjective
own, one's own
- typical, characteristic
- proper
In a sentence
Ognuno ha il proprio modo di studiare.
Everyone has their own way of studying.
Ciascuno deve portare il proprio libro a lezione.
Everyone must bring their own book to class.
Questo piatto è proprio della mia città.
This dish is typical of my city.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|
| proprio | masculine · singular |
| propria | feminine · singular |
| propri | masculine · plural |
| proprie | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- As an adjective, proprio agrees with the noun: la propria casa, i propri amici.
- Use proprio before a noun for possession in more formal style; colloquial Italian often prefers possessive adjectives like la sua casa.
- With a reflexive subject, proprio avoids ambiguity: Maria ama i propri figli clearly means her own children.
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