ejército de uno
/exeɾθito de uno/from spelling rules
The English phrase "army of one" is translated into Spanish as ejército de uno.
This phrase is used to describe a person who is capable of accomplishing a task alone that would typically require an entire group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
This is a literal translation of the English idiom: ejército means "army" and de uno means "of one".
How do you pronounce it?
/exeɾθito de uno/
Did you know?
- The English word 'exercise' and the Spanish word ejército are distant cousins. Both can be traced back to the Latin 'exercitus', which relates to the concept of training or putting something into practice.
- While ejército de uno is a literal translation of the English idiom, a native speaker might more naturally use the phrase un lobo solitario (a lone wolf) to convey a similar sense of individual strength.
- The phrase ejército de uno is a calque, meaning it was borrowed directly from English structure rather than evolving from traditional Spanish idioms.
Examples in context
- El ejército de uno debe enfrentar muchos desafíos.The Army of One must face many challenges.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing a complex project at work.
- MaríaEste proyecto es demasiado grande para ti, María.This project is too big for you, María.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, soy un ejército de uno.Don't worry, I'm an army of one.
- MaríaMe sorprende que puedas hacer todo sola.I'm surprised you can do everything alone.
- AlejandroTengo todo bajo control, Alejandro.I have everything under control, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ejército, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
