el uno al otro
/el ˌuno al ˈotɾo/
The English phrase 'each other' can be expressed in Spanish using el uno al otro. Wiktionary also lists entre sí and el uno con/sobre el otro.
Meaning: to one another, one to the other (pron)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| el uno al otro | /el ˌuno al ˈotɾo/ | |
| entre sí | /ˌentɾe ˈsi/ | |
| el uno con/sobre el otro | ||
| unos a/con otros (los) | los |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase el uno al otro literally translates to 'the one to the other'.
Which one should you use?
Use el uno con el otro instead of el uno al otro when the verb requires the preposition 'con' (with), such as 'talking with each other'. The phrase entre sí is often used to describe a reciprocal relationship or interaction within a group, often functioning more like 'among themselves'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the reciprocal action is often indicated by the reflexive pronoun 'se' (for third person) or 'nos' (for first person) before the verb, even if 'el uno al otro' is also used for emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
/el ˌuno al ˈotɾo/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Os tenéis el uno al otro.You've got each other.This example shows the use of el uno al otro.Tatoeba #13566248 by Seael, translation #3330981 by CK
- Nos miramos el uno al otro.We looked at each other.Tatoeba #1147874 by Shishir, translation #247918 by CK
- ¿Se conocen el uno al otro?Do you know each other?Tatoeba #1790643 by marcelostockle, translation #64229 by CK
- Las organizaciones colaboraron mutuamente para resolver el problema.The organizations collaborated with each other to solve the problem.
- Los líderes políticos se miraron recíprocamente antes de tomar una decisión.The political leaders looked at each other before making a decision.
- Nos vemos mañana para estudiar juntos.We'll see each other tomorrow to study together.
- Los hermanos se abrazaron uno al otro después de tanto tiempo.The siblings hugged each other after such a long time.
- En la reunión, los colegas se escucharon atentamente uno al otro.In the meeting, the colleagues attentively listened to each other.
- Enamorados, se susurraban palabras dulces mutuamente.In love, they whispered sweet words to each other.
- Mis amigos y yo nos ayudamos recíprocamente en momentos difíciles.My friends and I help each other in challenging times.
- Los niños se peleaban entre sí por la última rebanada de pastel.The children fought with each other for the last slice of cake.
- Las parejas bailaban, disfrutando de la compañía mutua.The couples danced, enjoying each other's company.
- 92 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about a couple of friends.
- ElenaEllos se ayudan el uno al otro siempre.They always help each other.
- MateoEs verdad, son muy unidos.That's true, they are very close.
- ElenaSe escuchan el uno al otro con paciencia.They listen to each other with patience.
- MateoEso es la clave de su amistad.That is the key to their friendship.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “each other” translations and entries el uno al otro, entre sí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, entre, otro, sí, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
