solo tú
/solo tu/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'only you' is translated into Spanish as solo tú.
This phrase is used to indicate that a specific person is the only one involved or being referred to.
Which one should you use?
In this context, the word solo means 'only' (exclusivity), not 'alone' (solitude), though they are spelled the same.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, solamente tú can be used when speaking informally. In Argentina, sos el único is a common informal way to express 'only you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'only you' to a group of people, use solo ustedes (formal/Latin America) or solo vosotros (informal/Spain).
How do you pronounce it?
/solo tu/
Did you know?
- The pronoun tú is a distant relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both words trace their ancestry back to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- While solo tú identifies the specific person, flipping the order to tú solo usually describes a physical state of being alone. This small shift in word order changes the meaning from exclusivity to solitude.
- Depending on the context, solo tú can be a romantic expression or a sharp accusation. In a conflict, it is often used to isolate the blame on one person, similar to saying 'it is all on you'.
Examples in context
- Solo tú contestaste la pregunta.Only you answered the question.This sentence shows how to use solo tú to indicate a single person performed an action.Tatoeba #2848696 by teskmon, translation #17685 by CK
- No solo tú, también él ignora la verdad.Not only you but also he is ignorant of the truth.This sentence shows how to use solo tú in a construction meaning 'not only you'.Tatoeba #1416672 by marcelostockle, translation #17679 by Zifre
- Solo tú puedes responder a esta pregunta.Only you can answer the question.This sentence shows how to use solo tú to identify a person with a specific ability.Tatoeba #779871 by Shishir, translation #46921 by CK
- Señor Martínez, solamente usted puede tomar esa decisión importante.Mr. Martinez, only you can make that important decision.
- Únicamente usted es capaz de liderar este proyecto con éxito, señora García.Only you are capable of leading this project to success, Mrs. Garcia.
- ¡Solo tú eres capaz de hacerme reír tanto!Only you can make me laugh so much!
- Solo vos sabes cómo alegrar mi día.Only you know how to brighten my day.
- Sos el único que hace latir mi corazón más rápido.Only you make my heart beat faster.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a secret achievement.
- MateoSolo tú sabías la verdad.Only you knew the truth.
- MaríaSí, era un secreto nuestro.Yes, it was our secret.
- MateoConfío en ti, María.I trust you, María.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo.Thank you, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries solo, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
