uno a uno
/uno a uno/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'one by one' is translated into Spanish as uno a uno.
In formal written documents or professional environments, you may also use the phrase de forma individual to convey the same meaning.
Meaning: individually (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uno a uno is literally constructed as 'one to one'.
Which one should you use?
de uno en uno is a very common alternative that can mean both 'one by one' and 'one at a time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the objects being referred to are feminine, the phrase changes to una a una to match the gender. Additionally, you can use the alternative de uno en uno to express the idea of one at a time.
How do you pronounce it?
/uno a uno/
Did you know?
- The word uno is a cognate of the Russian word один (odin) and the French un, as all three descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- While uno a uno means 'one by one', the phrase cara a cara uses the same structure to mean 'face to face'. This pattern is common in Spanish for describing direct interaction between two parties.
- The phrase uno a uno can be used metaphorically in Spanish to describe a methodical, almost surgical approach to solving a complex problem, much like 'one step at a time'.
Examples in context
- John cogió los artículos uno a uno y los examinó.John picked up the articles one by one and examined them.This sentence shows how to use uno a uno when describing a sequence of examination.Tatoeba #5663991 by arh, translation #3068106 by JimBreen
- Yo la vi quitando uno a uno los pétalos a una flor.I saw her pulling the petals off a flower one by one.This sentence demonstrates how to use uno a uno when describing the removal of petals.Tatoeba #1196276 by marcelostockle, translation #1196280 by marcelostockle
- El profesor revisó los exámenes de uno en uno.The teacher reviewed the exams one by one.
- Los clientes serán atendidos de forma individual en nuestra oficina.The clients will be attended to one by one in our office.
- Vamos a salir del salón uno por uno.We will leave the room one by one.
- Los candidatos se presentaron uno por uno para hablar con el director.The candidates presented themselves one by one to speak with the director.
- Pasemos los libros de uno en uno para que todos los vean.Let's pass the books one by one so everyone can see.
- Los invitados entraron al salón uno a uno.The guests entered the hall one by one.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are organizing a queue at a small event.
- ElenaAlejandro, por favor, deja que pasen uno a uno.Alejandro, please, let them pass one by one.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Elena, yo los guiaré.It's okay, Elena, I will guide them.
- Elena¿Crees que tardarán mucho?Do you think they will take long?
- AlejandroNo, si van de uno a uno, será rápido.No, if they go one by one, it will be fast.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
