Signification
To act independently, without external influence or haste; to do as one pleases.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'ir a su aire' is often seen as a sign of 'personalidad' (character). It is common in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona where people value their individual freedom despite the social nature of the country. While 'ir a su aire' is understood, Argentines are more likely to say 'hacer la suya.' It reflects the same spirit of independence, often with a touch of 'viveza criolla' (local cunning). In Mexico, the phrase is used but might be substituted by 'ir por su cuenta' in more formal settings. It is often used to describe someone who is 'independiente' or 'rebelde'. In the south of Spain, the phrase can be used with a very positive, relaxed connotation, linked to the concept of 'arte' and living life without stress.
The 'Su' Trap
Always check who you are talking about. If it's 'we', it's 'nuestro aire'. If it's 'you', it's 'tu aire'.
Positive vs. Negative
Use a smile if you mean it as a compliment. If you look annoyed, it sounds like a complaint about someone's lack of cooperation.
Signification
To act independently, without external influence or haste; to do as one pleases.
The 'Su' Trap
Always check who you are talking about. If it's 'we', it's 'nuestro aire'. If it's 'you', it's 'tu aire'.
Positive vs. Negative
Use a smile if you mean it as a compliment. If you look annoyed, it sounds like a complaint about someone's lack of cooperation.
Combine with 'Muy'
You can say 'va MUY a su aire' to emphasize that someone is extremely independent.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct possessive adjective (mi, tu, su, nuestro, vuestro).
Yo no sigo a la multitud, siempre voy a ____ aire.
The subject is 'Yo', so the possessive must be 'mi'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'They do their own thing'?
Ellos...
The idiom is 'ir a su aire', using the singular 'aire' and the possessive 'su'.
Match the situation to the meaning of 'ir a su aire'.
Situation: A cat ignores its owner and goes to sleep in a box.
In this context, it describes the cat's natural independent behavior.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres venir al cine con nosotros? B: No, gracias. Prefiero quedarme en casa y leer. A: Vale, ya veo que hoy ____.
Speaker A is talking to Speaker B (tú), so 'vas a tu aire' is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Possessive Agreement
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo no sigo a la multitud, siempre voy a ____ aire.
The subject is 'Yo', so the possessive must be 'mi'.
Ellos...
The idiom is 'ir a su aire', using the singular 'aire' and the possessive 'su'.
Situation: A cat ignores its owner and goes to sleep in a box.
In this context, it describes the cat's natural independent behavior.
A: ¿Quieres venir al cine con nosotros? B: No, gracias. Prefiero quedarme en casa y leer. A: Vale, ya veo que hoy ____.
Speaker A is talking to Speaker B (tú), so 'vas a tu aire' is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot necessarily. It's usually a neutral description of someone's personality. However, if said with an annoyed tone, it can imply the person is being uncooperative.
It's a bit too informal for an interview. Instead, say 'Soy una persona autónoma' or 'Me gusta trabajar con independencia'.
'Ir a su bola' is much more informal/slang. You would use 'bola' with close friends, but 'aire' is safer in most casual situations.
No, it means following your own rules. You can be in a group but still 'ir a tu aire' by doing what you want within that group.
No, 'aire' is almost always singular in this idiom. 'Aires' (plural) is used in other phrases like 'darse aires' (to put on airs/act superior).
Yes, it is understood everywhere, but in countries like Argentina or Mexico, you might hear 'hacer la suya' or 'ir por su cuenta' more often.
Usually no, it's for people or animals. However, you could poetically say a river or the wind 'va a su aire'.
You say: 'Me gusta ir a mi aire'.
Yes, it is extremely common in daily Spanish conversation, especially in Spain.
There isn't a single idiom, but you could say 'seguir a la masa' (follow the crowd) or 'ser un mandado' (someone who just does what they are told).
Yes: 'De pequeño, siempre iba a mi aire'.
No, it implies a choice. The person knows what they are doing, even if it's different from others.
Metaphorically yes, as it relates to following one's own rhythm or 'tempo'.
Yes, you can say a company 'va a su aire' if it ignores market trends and does something unique.
Expressions liées
Ir a su bola
synonymTo do one's own thing (more slang).
Ir por libre
similarTo act independently, especially in work or studies.
Pasar de todo
contrastTo not care about anything.
Hacer la suya
synonymTo do one's own thing (Latin America).
A su ritmo
similarAt one's own pace.
