solo por
/solo poɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase solo por means 'alone by' in English.
This phrase is used to indicate that someone is the only person performing an action or is the sole cause of something.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo poɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers sometimes use the expression solo por to describe a 'whim' or doing something 'just because'. In this context, it implies the action has no logical reason other than the desire to do it.
- In Spanish, solo can describe both a physical state of being alone and a mental state of loneliness. English uses two different words, 'alone' and 'lonely', to make this distinction.
- If you say solo por ti, you are not just saying 'alone by you', but are often expressing the romantic sentiment of 'only for you'.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing why Alejandro started a new hobby.
- AlejandroEmpecé a pintar solo por diversión.I started painting alone by fun.
- LucíaTe ves muy concentrado, Alejandro.You look very focused, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, pero es solo por pasar el tiempo.Yes, but it is alone by passing the time.
- LucíaEs un pasatiempo muy relajante.It is a very relaxing hobby.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
