Proprio is a possessive adjective used in particular contexts as well as an adverb.

When used as a possessive adjective it agrees with the noun it modifies.

Proprio (in all its forms) is used:

1. To replace suo/a/i/e (his, her, its) or loro (their) when the subject of the sentence is also the possessor:

Marco prese il proprio cappotto e uscì / Marco took his (own) coat and left

[Mind that you could also use suo here and it would still be correct.]

2. To replace suo/a/i/e (his, her, its) or loro (their) in contexts which call for a specification:

Mariangela vede Anna entrare nel proprio ufficio / Mariangela sees Anna enter her own office.

[We have to make it clear that it is Anna's office that we are talking about]

3. When the subject of a sentence is indefinite / the verb is impersonal:

Occorre chiarire la propria posizione

My / your, etc. (depending on the context) views need to be made clear.

4. As an intensifier when combined with other possessive adjectives (rare):

Vivo nella mia propria casa / I live in my own place.

When used as an adverb, proprio is invariable. It is an intensifier, that is, it adds force to another adjective, verb or adverb used in the sentence. In English it mostly translates with really, truly, exactly, just or indeed.

Examples:

• Proprio così! / Exactly!
• Marco è proprio stanco / Marco is truly tired
• Non ho proprio voglia di uscire stasera / I really don't feel like going out tonight
• Anna è arrivata proprio ora / Anna has arrived just now
• Sì, proprio! / Yes, indeed

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