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"Por sí mismo" is a phrase which is often translated as "by himself", and "por cuenta propia" is a phrase which is often translated as "self-employed". Learn more about the difference between "por sí mismo" and "por cuenta propia" below.
por sí mismo(
pohr
see
mees
-
moh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
b. for himself
El paciente no puede hablar por sí mismo; se encuentra bajo el efecto de sedantes.The patient can't speak for himself; he's under the effect of sedatives.
c. by itself
Por sí mismo, el cambio de actitud de la comisión no significa nada.By itself, the committee's change of attitude means nothing.
d. for itself
Mi trabajo habla por sí mismo. No es necesario que yo lo defienda.My work speaks for itself. I don't need to defend it.
2. (formal) (second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. by yourself
Debe tratar de alcanzar sus objetivos por sí mismo, sin ayuda.You must try to reach your goals by yourself, unaided.
b. for yourself
Creo que debería hablar por sí mismo. No estoy de acuerdo con su opinión.I think you should speak for yourself. I don't agree with your view.
por cuenta propia(
pohr
kwehn
-
tah
proh
-
pyah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (adjective)
a. self-employed
Es posible que, en el futuro, el número de trabajadores por cuenta propia supere al de trabajadores por cuenta ajena.It's possible that the number of self-employed workers will exceed that of employed workers in the future.
b. freelance
El trabajo por cuenta propia tiene la ventaja de que tú eres tu propio jefe.Freelance work has the advantage that you're your own boss.
2. (adverb)
a. on one's own
Primero trabajó varios años para una multinacional, y luego se estableció por cuenta propia.He first worked several years for a multinational company, and then he set up on his own.
