Guide: How to Say “Just This” in Spanish

Learning a new language can be an exciting journey, but there are always those awkward moments when you need to express an idea but lack the vocabulary. One such instance is when you want to say “just this” in Spanish. Whether you need to clarify which item you want at a restaurant or simply want to convey that you only need a particular thing, this guide will provide you with various ways to express “just this” in both formal and informal settings. Let’s dive in!

Formal Situations

In formal contexts, such as business meetings, formal gatherings, or when speaking to someone in a position of authority, it is essential to use polite and respectful language. Here are a few phrases you can use to convey “just this” formally:

1. Solamente esto – This is a straightforward and neutral way to express “just this” in formal Spanish. It is a concise phrase that can be used in various situations.
2. Únicamente esto – Similar to “solamente esto,” this phrase is slightly more formal. It conveys the idea of “only this” and is useful when you want to emphasize the singular nature of your request.
3. Simplemente esto – This phrase translates to “simply this” and is another way to convey the idea of “just this” formally. It is often used when you want to emphasize the simplicity and straightforwardness of your request.
4. Me gustaría comprar solo esto – If you find yourself in a store and want to purchase only a specific item, this phrase is a polite way to express your intent. It translates to “I would like to buy only this,” allowing you to clearly indicate which item you need.

Informal Situations

Informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends and family, provide more flexibility in language usage. While it’s still essential to be polite, you can opt for less formal expressions. Here are some phrases for when you want to say “just this” informally:

1. Solo esto – In informal contexts, you can drop the “me” in “solo,” making it a shorter and more relaxed way of expressing “just this.” It is commonly used between friends or when addressing someone you have a close relationship with.
2. Nada más – This phrase literally means “nothing more” but can also be used to convey the idea of “just this” in informal Spanish. It is a widely used expression and can be used interchangeably with “solo esto.”
3. Solamente esto, por favor – Adding “por favor” (please) emphasizes politeness even in informal settings. If you want to show respect while saying “just this,” this phrase is an excellent choice.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand how to use the different phrases for expressing “just this” in Spanish:

Tips:

• Remember to adjust your tone and choice of words based on the formality of the situation.
• If unsure, it is generally safer to err on the side of formality, especially when speaking with someone you don’t know well.
• Pay attention to cultural differences and regional variations, as some phrases may vary in different Spanish-speaking countries.

Examples:

Formal:

– Cliente: Por favor, ¿puede traerme solamente esto? (Customer: Could you please bring me just this?)

– Vendedor: Por supuesto, aquí tiene. (Vendor: Of course, here you go.)

Informal:

– Amigo/a: ¿Quieres algo más? (Friend: Do you want anything else?)

– Yo: No, gracias, solo esto. (Me: No, thank you, just this.)