solo sé español
/solo se espaɲol/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I only know spanish" is said as solo sé español.
This phrase is used to inform someone that Spanish is the only language you are able to speak.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase solo sé español, the subject yo (I) is omitted. This is common in Spanish because the verb ending in sé already indicates that the subject is "I".
How do you pronounce it?
/solo se espaɲol/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When expressing that you know a language, do not use the verb conocer. While conocer can mean "to know," it is used for being acquainted with people or places. You should use the verb saber when referring to the knowledge of a language.
Did you know?
- The word español likely originates from a Punic term meaning 'coast of hyraxes', referring to a small mammal similar to a rabbit.
- In historical contexts, people living in the Iberian Peninsula often identified themselves as cristiano rather than by a specific nationality. The unified sense of being español developed much later than the Roman period.
Examples in context
- Solo sé español. ¿Necesita algún tipo de traducción?I only know Spanish. Do you need any translation?
- Mi conocimiento se limita al español, pero trataré de ayudarlo de la mejor manera posible.My knowledge is restricted to Spanish, but I'll try to assist you in the best way possible.
- Nada más sé español, ¡espero que eso no sea un problema para comunicarnos!I only know Spanish, I hope that's not a problem for us to communicate!
- Lo siento, solo sé español.I am sorry, I only know Spanish.
- No hablo inglés, solo sé español.I don't speak English, I only know Spanish.
- Perdón, solo sé español.Excuse me, I only know Spanish.
Example conversation
Daniel is trying to order food at a restaurant where the waiter speaks English.
- DanielHola, solo sé español.Hello, I only know Spanish.
- SofíaNo hay problema, Daniel. Yo también hablo español.No problem, Daniel. I also speak Spanish.
- Daniel¡Qué bueno! ¿Tienen menú en español?That's great! Do you have a menu in Spanish?
- SofíaSí, Sofía te traerá uno ahora mismo.Yes, Sofía will bring you one right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, solo, sé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
