How to Say 1 in Spanish | Uno Pronunciation and Usage
As of 2026, learning a new language can be an enriching experience. One of the first things to master when learning Spanish is numbers, as they are essential for everyday communication. **In Spanish, the number "1" is "uno."**
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How to Say "One" in Spanish
Uno is a masculine noun in Spanish, and it must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For example:
- "Un libro" (one book)
- "Una mesa" (one table)
In these sentences, "uno" agrees in gender with "libro" and "mesa," respectively.
Pronunciation Guide for Uno
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse the full series →The pronunciation of "uno" is similar to the English word "oo-no." The stress falls on the second syllable. Here's a phonetic guide:
- IPA: /ˈu.no/
Usage of Uno in Different Contexts
In addition to being a number, "uno" can also be used as an indefinite pronoun, meaning "one" or "someone." For example:
- "Uno debe estudiar para aprobar un examen" (One must study to pass an exam)
Furthermore, "uno" is often used in idiomatic expressions such as:
- "No hay dos sin tres" (There's no third without a second)
- "Uno es lo que uno hace" (You are what you do)
Comparison with Other Languages
The concept of "one" in Spanish is similar to other Romance languages like French and Italian. In these languages, the number "1" is also gendered:
- French: "un livre" (masculine) / "une table" (feminine)
- Italian: "uno libro" (masculine) / "una tavola" (feminine)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say 1 in Spanish?
The number one is said as "uno" in Spanish.
Is "uno" masculine or feminine?
"Uno" is a masculine noun and must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies. Use "una" for feminine nouns.
Can you use "uno" as an indefinite pronoun?
Yes, "uno" can be used as an indefinite pronoun meaning "one" or "someone."
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