elige uno
/elixe uno/from spelling rules
The English phrase "choose one" is translated into Spanish as elige uno.
This phrase is used as a request or instruction to select a single item from a group of options.
Which one should you use?
While elige uno means "choose one", if you wanted to say "choose both", you would use elige ambos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, escoge uno is a common informal way to say "choose one", while seleccione uno is preferred in formal situations. In Mexico, elija uno is commonly employed in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form elige uno uses the informal singular imperative, used when speaking to one person you know well or are addressing casually. If the object being chosen is a feminine noun, you must change uno to una (for example, elige una). When addressing a group of people, the command changes to elijan uno.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a common non-verbal accompaniment to elige uno is pointing with the lips rather than the finger to indicate the options.
- The verb elegir shares a root with the English word 'elect', as both come from the concept of picking out or selecting the best.
- The word uno is a direct relative of the English word 'one', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'single'.
Examples in context
- Elige uno de entre estos.Choose one from among these.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase elige uno in the context of selecting from a group.Tatoeba #831161 by LugoIlmer, translation #55131 by CK
- Elige uno de estos premios.Choose one from among these prizes.This sentence demonstrates using elige uno when selecting from prizes.Tatoeba #1449737 by marcelostockle, translation #55175 by CK
- Elige uno de estos productos.Choose one from among these products.This sentence shows the use of elige uno when choosing from products.Tatoeba #1449738 by marcelostockle, translation #1449740 by marcelostockle
- Por favor, elija uno de los tres colores disponibles.Please choose one of the three available colors.
- Le pedimos que seleccione uno de los menús disponibles.We ask you to select one of the available menus.
- Escoja uno de los productos de nuestra amplia gama.Choose one of the products from our wide range.
- Escoge uno de los juegos para jugar esta noche.Choose one of the games to play tonight.
- Píllate uno de los libros de esta estantería.Grab one of the books from this shelf.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a box of colorful pens.
- DanielTengo muchos bolígrafos, elige uno.I have many pens, choose one.
- ElenaMe gusta el azul.I like the blue one.
- DanielPerfecto, este es para ti.Perfect, this one is for you.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Daniel.Thank you very much, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
