uno
/ˈuno/
The Spanish word for the number one is uno.
uno is the cardinal number 1. It can also function as an impersonal pronoun meaning 'one' or 'a person', such as in the phrase Uno nunca sabe (One never knows).
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Which one should you use?
While uno is used when the number stands alone as a pronoun, you should use un or una when the word precedes a noun as an indefinite article. For example, use un or una for 'a/an' before a noun, but use uno when the number is not followed by a noun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form uno changes to una when used as an indefinite article or a pronoun referring specifically to a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying uno directly before a masculine noun. For instance, instead of saying uno libro, you should say un libro.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase uno a uno describes doing something one by one, but it can also mean a face-to-face confrontation or a duel.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to say 'one o'clock', you do not say una hora, but simply la una, treating the hour as a singular entity.
- The Spanish word uno has a long-lost relative in the English word 'once', which stems from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'one'.
Examples in context
- Yo me comí uno.I ate one.This sentence is useful for showing how to use uno as a pronoun.Tatoeba #4505643 by cueyayotl, translation #2872907 by Amastan
- Es uno de esos.It's one of those.This sentence demonstrates the use of uno in a prepositional phrase.Tatoeba #4779045 by alegarvid, translation #3168214 by CK
- Una vez vi uno.I saw one once.This sentence shows uno used as a pronoun in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #11737236 by Seael, translation #2406083 by CK
- En este proceso de selección, solo vamos a seleccionar uno.In this selection process, we will only choose one.
- No puedo creer que uno se haya olvidado de traer las bebidas.I can't believe I forgot to bring the drinks.
- Necesito un libro para leer este fin de semana.I need one book to read this weekend.
- 960 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at a cafe.
- LucíaMateo, ¿quieres uno?Mateo, do you want one?
- MateoSí, gracias, Lucía.Yes, thanks, Lucía.
- LucíaTengo uno para ti.I have one for you.
- MateoEs muy amable de tu parte.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries uno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
