How To Say "Only" In Spanish
Are you looking for how to say "only" in Spanish? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of "only" in Spanish, what is "only" in Spanish, and translate "only" to Spanish. We will also provide some sample sentences to help you understand how to use "only" in Spanish correctly.
Fast track your vocabulary with the 10.000 most common Spanish words!
What is "Only" in Spanish?
The word "Only" in Spanish can be translated in several ways, depending on the context in which it is used. Some of the most common translations of "Only" in Spanish are:
- Sólo (IPA: /ˈso.lo/): This is the most common translation of "only" in Spanish. It can also be written as "solo" (without the accent), but the Royal Spanish Academy recommends using the accent to avoid confusion with the word "solo" (meaning "alone").
- Solamente (IPA: /so.laˈmen.te/): This is another way to say "only" in Spanish. It is less commonly used than "sólo" but can be used interchangeably in most cases.
- Únicamente (IPA: /u.ˈni.ka.men.te/): This is a more formal way to say "only" in Spanish. It is often used in academic or professional contexts.
Meaning of "Only" in Spanish
"Only" in Spanish is used to indicate that something is unique or exclusive, or that it is the one and only thing that fits a certain description. It can also be used to indicate a restriction or limitation. Some examples of how "only" in Spanish is used include:
- "Sólo hablo español": This means "I only speak Spanish" or "I speak only Spanish". The use of "sólo" indicates that Spanish is the only language that the speaker can speak.
- "Este restaurante sólo sirve comida italiana": This means "This restaurant only serves Italian food". The use of "sólo" indicates that Italian food is the only type of food that is served at this restaurant.
- "El concierto es sólo para mayores de edad": This means "The concert is only for adults". The use of "sólo" indicates that there is a restriction on who can attend the concert.
4 eBooks of the Spanish Frequency Dictionaries series by MostUsedWords
Regional References
It's worth noting that the use of "sólo" with an accent mark is common in Spain, but in Latin America, it is more common to use "solo" without the accent mark. Also, some Spanish speakers may use the word "nada más" as a colloquial way to express "only" in some contexts.
You can find the paperbacks on Amazon (we have frequency dictionaries for beginners, intermediates, advanced and near-fluent students), or get the eBooks directly from us here. (They are affiliate links. That means we might get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, at no extra cost to you.)
How to Say "Only" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "only" in Spanish:
- Solo hablo inglés.
(I only speak English.)
- Ella tiene únicamente 10 dólares en su bolsillo.
(She only has 10 dollars in her pocket.)
- Tan solo necesito una respuesta.
(I only need one answer.)
- Ellos comen solamente pescado.
(They only eat fish.)
- Únicamente aceptamos pagos en efectivo.
(We only accept cash payments.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, "only" in Spanish can be expressed in different ways depending on the context and the emphasis you want to give to your message. The most common translations are "solamente", "sólo", "únicamente", and "tan solo". Keep in mind that the use of accent marks in "solo" is a matter of regional preference. Use the appropriate translation based on the context and practice using them to become more fluent in Spanish.