único
/ˈuniko/
The English phrase "unique" is translated into Spanish as único. Wiktionary also lists señero.
Meaning: one of a kind (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| único | /ˈuniko/ |
| señero | /seˈɲeɾo/ |
único is used to describe something that is one of a kind. To add emphasis, you can use the phrase verdaderamente único/a to mean "truly unique". Another way to convey the idea of being unique or being "without equal" is to use the phrase sin igual.
Which one should you use?
While único primarily means "one of a kind", it is also frequently used to mean "the only one" or "sole" (for example, el único hijo for "the only son").
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective único must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form única for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form únicos for masculine or mixed-gender groups and the feminine plural form únicas for groups of feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuniko/
Did you know?
- The word señero is a linguistic sibling to the common word singular. Both come from the Latin 'singularis' but evolved separately in Spanish.
- In Spanish, the word único is often used to describe a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience, such as una oportunidad única.
- When used as a noun in the phrase el único, it can refer to the sole survivor of a tragedy or the only remaining member of a group.
Examples in context
- Cada gato es único.Every cat is unique.This sentence shows how to use único to describe a cat.Tatoeba #11690842 by ecorralest101, translation #11690561 by shekitten
- Cada ser humano es único.Every human being is unique.This sentence demonstrates the use of único when referring to a human being.Tatoeba #9472025 by hayastan, translation #9334455 by Adelpa
- El sabor de esta cerveza es único.This beer's taste is unique.This sentence illustrates the use of único to describe the taste of a beer.Tatoeba #1293125 by hayastan, translation #1293230 by marcelostockle
- El Taj Mahal es un lugar único y emblemático en la India.The Taj Mahal is a unique and iconic place in India.
- El talento de este cantante es inigualable.This singer's talent is unparalleled.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a piece of art in a gallery.
- ElenaEste cuadro es muy especial.This painting is very special.
- MateoSí, su estilo es único.Yes, its style is unique.
- ElenaNunca había visto algo así.I had never seen anything like it.
- MateoEs una verdadera obra de arte.It is a true work of art.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unique” translations and entries único, señero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries señero, único, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
