solo uno
/solo uno/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "just one" is solo uno.
solo uno is used to indicate a single unit or item of something. Depending on the context, it can mean "just one" in a counting sense or it can also mean "only one" in the sense of being alone or solitary.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of solo, meaning "only" or "alone" and uno, meaning "one".
Which one should you use?
While solo uno can mean "just one" in a counting sense, it can also mean "only one" in the sense of being "alone" or "solitary".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender with the noun it refers to. Use solo una for feminine nouns. Note that if you change the singular uno to the plural unos, the meaning shifts from "just one" to "just a few".
How do you pronounce it?
/solo uno/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- No puedo volver a ser solo uno de los muchachos.I can't go back to being just one of the guys.This sentence shows how to use solo uno when referring to a single person among a group.Tatoeba #6633300 by UsuarioX, translation #1951710 by CK
- No, solo uno.No, just one.This sentence demonstrates a simple way to state the quantity "just one".Tatoeba #2412367 by marcelostockle, translation #1833349 by emptybook
- Necesito solamente unoI need just one
- Tengo únicamente un lápizI have only one pencil
- Quiero tan solo una manzanaI want just one apple
- Necesito solo uno másI need just one more
- Quedaba nada más una galletaThere was nothing else but just one cookie left
- Tengo un único deseoI have a single wish
- Necesito solamente una taza de caféI need just one cup of coffee
- ¿Puedo tomar solo uno de los chocolates?Can I have just one of the chocolates?
- Quiero únicamente un boleto para la películaI want only one ticket for the movie
- Quedaba tan solo una rebanada de pastelThere was only one slice of cake left
- Tengo solo una oportunidad de éxitoI have just one chance for success
- Solo uno de mis amigos vendrá.Just one of my friends will come.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a bakery.
- María¿Cuántos pastelitos quieres, Mateo?How many pastries do you want, Mateo?
- MateoSolo uno, por favor.Just one, please.
- MaríaEstá bien, aquí tienes.Okay, here you go.
- MateoGracias, María.Thanks, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries solo, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
