solitario
/soliˈtaɾjo/
The English word 'loner' is translated into Spanish as solitario.
solitario is used to describe someone who lacks or avoids company. It can function as a noun meaning 'loner' or as an adjective meaning 'lonely' or 'solitary'.
Meaning: one who lacks or avoids company (noun)
Which one should you use?
While solitario is the common term for a 'loner', it is also the standard adjective used to express that someone or something is 'solitary' or 'lonely'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun must agree in gender with the person being described. Use solitaria for a female loner. The masculine plural form solitarios is used to describe a group of male loners or a mixed-gender group of loners.
How do you pronounce it?
/soliˈtaɾjo/
Did you know?
- While solitario describes a person, it is also the standard term for a 'solitaire' card game in Spanish.
- The word solitario is a linguistic cousin to the Spanish word soltero, which means 'single' or 'unmarried'. Both words descend from the same Latin root relating to being alone.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a solitario can sound more poetic or profound than the English 'loner', often implying a sense of peaceful independence rather than social awkwardness.
Examples in context
- Él es un solitario.He is a loner.
- Mi amiga es una solitaria de nacimiento, pero la adoro tal como es.My friend is a born loner, but I adore her just the way she is.
- Es un hombre muy solitario.He is a very solitary man.
- Él es un poco solitario.He is a bit of a loner.
- No quiero ser un solitario.I don't want to be a loner.
- Ese hombre siempre ha sido un solitario.That man has always been a loner.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a neighbor.
- Daniel¿Conoces al vecino de arriba?Do you know the neighbor upstairs?
- MaríaSí, pero es un solitario.Yes, but he is a loner.
- DanielParece que no le gusta la gente.It seems like he doesn't like people.
- MaríaExacto, prefiere estar solo.Exactly, he prefers being alone.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry solitario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries solitario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
