A simple illustration showing three distinct, brightly colored flowers lined up on a green field. The flowers are completely different in shape, size, and color, symbolizing that each is unique.

únicas

OO-nee-kas

adjectivefB1

unique?one of a kind (feminine plural),only?sole or exclusive (feminine plural)

Also:sole?for emphasis,exclusive?referring to a group of things or people

📝 In Action

Esas joyas son únicas; no hay otras iguales en el mundo.

Those jewels are unique; there are no others like them in the world.

Las únicas personas que sabían la verdad eran ellas.

The only people who knew the truth were them (feminine group).

Estas oportunidades de inversión son únicas en la región.

These investment opportunities are unique in the region.

Word Connections

Synonyms

exclusivas (exclusive)
singulares (singular)

Antonyms

comunes (common)
numerosas (numerous)

Common Collocations

circunstancias únicas – unique circumstances
habilidades únicas – unique abilities

💡 Grammar Points

Matching Gender and Number

This word is the feminine plural form of 'único.' You must use 'únicas' when describing a noun that is both feminine and plural, like 'amigas' (friends) or 'ideas' (ideas).

Placement: 'Unique' vs. 'Only'

When 'únicas' means 'only' or 'sole,' it usually comes BEFORE the noun (e.g., 'las únicas soluciones'). When it emphasizes that something is 'one-of-a-kind,' it usually comes AFTER the noun (e.g., 'soluciones únicas').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: "Usando 'únicos' para describir 'casas' (houses)."

Correction: Since 'casas' is feminine, you must use the feminine form: 'casas únicas'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Emphasizing Exclusivity

To really highlight that something is special and incomparable, place 'únicas' after the noun and use an intensifier like 'verdaderamente' (truly): 'Son oportunidades verdaderamente únicas.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: únicas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'únicas'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

único(unique, only (masculine singular)) - adjective

única(unique, only (feminine singular)) - adjective

únicos(unique, only (masculine plural)) - adjective

únicamente(only, solely) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'únicas' and 'solas'?

'Únicas' means 'unique' or 'only one of its kind' (or the sole group). 'Solas' (from 'solo') means 'alone' or 'lonely.' They describe very different states. Example: 'Son las únicas' (They are the only ones) vs. 'Están solas' (They are alone).

Does 'únicas' always require an accent mark?

Yes, the accent mark over the 'u' (ú) is essential. It tells you that the stress falls on that first syllable, following the standard Spanish pronunciation rules for this word family.