único e inigualable
/ˌuniko e iniɡwaˈlable/
The English phrase "one and only" can be translated into Spanish as único e inigualable.
The phrase is used to describe something or someone that is unique. In everyday, less formal conversations, you can simply use the word único (masculine) or única (feminine) to imply the same idea of being the "one and only."
Meaning: unique (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender of the noun it describes. If the noun is feminine, you must use the feminine form única e inigualable. Note that the conjunction used for "and" changes from y to e because the following word, inigualable, begins with an "i" sound.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌuniko e iniɡwaˈlable/
Did you know?
- The word único shares a distant ancestral connection to the English word 'one' through the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynos. This connects the Spanish concept of being 'single' directly to the numerical concept of 'one'.
- While English uses 'one' to mean a single unit, the Spanish word único can also describe a 'sole' survivor or a 'only' remaining option, emphasizing emptiness or solitude as much as excellence.
- In Spanish, inigualable is built from the verb igualar, which means 'to make equal' or 'to match'. The phrase literally describes someone who cannot be matched by anyone else.
Examples in context
- El único y verdadero amor de mi vida.The one and only love of my life.
- La única y verdadera solución a este problema.The one and only solution to this problem.
- Ese carro es el único de su especie.That car is the only one of its kind.
- Este diseño es único e inigualable.This design is unique and incomparable.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are visiting a famous art gallery.
- ElenaMira este cuadro, Mateo.Look at this painting, Mateo.
- MateoEs realmente único e inigualable.It is truly one and only.
- ElenaNunca he visto nada parecido.I have never seen anything like it.
- MateoTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one and only” translations and entries único e inigualable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries e, inigualable, único, CC BY-SA 4.0.
