unico
/ˈu.ni.ko/
The English phrase 'unique' can be translated into Italian as unico. Wiktionary also lists speciale.
Meaning: one of a kind (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| unico | /ˈu.ni.ko/ |
| speciale | /speˈt͡ʃa.le/ |
The term unico is used to describe something that is one of a kind. You may also use speciale.
Which one should you use?
While unico emphasizes that something is the single one of its kind, speciale is often used to mean 'special' in a positive or exceptional sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective unico changes its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use unica for feminine nouns, unici for masculine plural nouns and uniche for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
unico is pronounced /ˈu.ni.ko/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The term unico is used in the phrase un unico cuore, which is a common romantic trope in Italian songs and poetry to describe two people sharing one heart.
- The word unico can function as a synonym for 'only' or 'sole'. For example, l'unico figlio means 'the only son' rather than 'the unique son'.
- While unico emphasizes a lack of duplicates, speciale stems from the Latin speciālis, which originally referred to something 'specific' or 'particular'.
Examples in context
- Sappiamo già che Tom è unico.We already know Tom is unique.This sentence uses unico to describe a person.Tatoeba #13940462 by unforgiven95, translation #5733097 by CM
- Mi fa sentire unica e speciale.He makes me feel unique and special.This sentence uses speciale to describe a feeling.Tatoeba #11867282 by Nuel, translation #11867281 by Nuel
- Il linguaggio è unico per l'uomo.Language is unique to man.This sentence uses unico to describe language.Tatoeba #4246118 by Guybrush88, translation #239740 by Eldad
- La tua idea è veramente singolare.Your idea is truly unique.
- La sua abilità nel disegno è ineguagliabile.His/her drawing skills are unparalleled.
- Il suo stile è unico come un fiore selvatico.His/her style is unique like a wildflower.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are at an art gallery.
- AlessandroQuesto quadro è davvero unico.This painting is truly one of a kind.
- MartinaSì, ha uno stile unico.Yes, it has a unique style.
- AlessandroNon ne vedrò mai un altro così.I will never see another one like it.
- MartinaHai ragione, Alessandro.You are right, Alessandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unique” translations and entries unico, speciale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries speciale, unico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
