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"Ajena" is a form of "ajeno", an adjective which is often translated as "other people's". "Propia" is a form of "propio", an adjective which is often translated as "own". Learn more about the difference between "ajena" and "propia" below.
ajeno(
ah
-
heh
-
noh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. other people's
Se dice que la paz es el respeto al derecho ajeno.It is said that peace is respecting other people's rights.
A Tomás no le importa arriesgarse, siempre que sea con dinero ajeno.Tomas is happy to take risks, as long as it's with other people's money.
b. someone else's
Lo peor es tener hambre en casa ajena.The worst is when you're hungry at someone else's house.
a. foreign
Fabricamos productos de acero, así que la construcción con aluminio nos es ajena.We build steel products, so aluminum construction is foreign to us.
b. alien
El estilo de vida de un agricultor es completamente ajeno a un habitante de la ciudad.A farmer's lifestyle is completely alien to a city dweller.
c. unconnected
Encontramos sangre ajena a las víctimas.We found blood unconnected to any of the victims.
d. unaffiliated
Las personas ajenas no son permitidas en este club.Unaffiliated people are not allowed in this club.
3. (not aware)
a. unaware
Estaba ajeno al hecho de que caminaba hacia una trampa.He was unaware of the fact that he was walking into a trap.
propio(
proh
-
pyoh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
3. (proper)
a. appropriate
Tu traje negro es propio para la ocasión.Your black suit is appropriate for the occasion.
4. (emphatic)
a. oneself
Lo dijo la propia dueña.The owner said it herself.
Lo anunció el propio presidente.The president announced it himself.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
