cosa de una sola vez
/kosa de una sola beθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'one time thing' is translated into Spanish as cosa de una sola vez.
This phrase is used to describe an event or activity that happens only once and is not intended to be repeated.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cosa de una sola vez is composed of cosa (thing), de (of), una (one), sola (single/only) and vez (time/occurrence).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use the phrase algo puntual to describe something specific or one-off. In Mexico, the expression una vez solamente can be used to convey the idea of 'just one time'.
Did you know?
- The word cosa comes from the Latin word causa, which originally meant 'cause' or 'lawsuit' rather than a physical object.
- While cosa is used here for a 'thing', Spanish has no single word that covers all English meanings of 'thing', often switching between cosa, objeto and asunto.
- In professional contexts, Spanish speakers often use algo puntual to describe a 'one-time thing' to avoid the vagueness of the word cosa.
Examples in context
- ¿Se trata de un hecho puntual o es algo recurrente?Is it a one-time thing or something recurrent?
- Fue un evento excepcional que no se volverá a repetir.It was a one-time event that won't happen again.
- Esto es una oportunidad única que no debes dejar pasar.This is a one-time opportunity you shouldn't miss.
- Fui al concierto de mi banda favorita una vez nada más.I went to my favorite band's concert just once.
- Fui a una exposición de arte una vez solamente.I went to an art exhibition just one time.
- Esto fue un hecho puntual que no se repetirá.This was a one-time thing that won't happen again.
- No te preocupes, fue una cosa de una sola vez.Don't worry, it was a one-time thing.
- Fue una cosa de una sola vez.It was a one-time thing.
- No quiero que sea una cosa de una sola vez.I don't want it to be a one-time thing.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a mistake at work.
- DanielLo siento, no volverá a pasar.I'm sorry, it won't happen again.
- María¿Estás seguro de que fue una cosa de una sola vez?Are you sure it was a one time thing?
- DanielSí, María, fue un error puntual.Yes, María, it was a one-off error.
- MaríaEstá bien, Daniel, confío en ti.It's okay, Daniel, I trust you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cosa, de, una, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
