único
/oo-nee-ko/
only
When used before a noun, único means 'only' or 'sole,' emphasizing that there is just one of something.
único(Adjective)
only
?when there is just one of something
sole
?a more formal way to say 'only'
,single
?emphasizing there is just one
📝 In Action
Es mi único par de zapatos.
A2It's my only pair of shoes.
La única persona que sabe la verdad es Ana.
B1The only person who knows the truth is Ana.
No tengo hermanos, soy hijo único.
A2I don't have siblings, I'm an only child.
💡 Grammar Points
Placement is Key: Before the Noun = 'Only'
When you want to say there is just one of something, 'único' always goes right before the thing it's describing. Think: único amigo (only friend).
Matching is a Must
Like most adjectives, 'único' has to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. It can be único (masculine singular), única (feminine singular), únicos (masculine plural), or únicas (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'único' and 'solo'
Mistake: "Soy el solo que habla español."
Correction: Soy el único que habla español. Use 'único' to describe a person or thing ('the only one'). Use 'solo' to mean 'only' or 'just' in a more general way, like 'Solo quiero un café' (I only want a coffee).
⭐ Usage Tips
Think Quantity
Use this meaning of 'único' when you're talking about the number of things: exactly one, and no more.
When used after a noun, único means 'unique' or 'one-of-a-kind,' describing a special quality that sets something apart.
único(Adjective)
unique
?describing something's special quality
one-of-a-kind
?emphasizing its specialness
,unparalleled
?when something is unmatched
📝 In Action
Este artista tiene un estilo único.
B1This artist has a unique style.
La vista desde la cima de la montaña es única.
B1The view from the top of the mountain is unique.
Es una oportunidad única, no la dejes pasar.
B2It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity, don't let it pass you by.
💡 Grammar Points
Placement is Key: After the Noun = 'Unique'
To describe something as special or one-of-a-kind, 'único' goes after the thing it's describing. Think: un amigo único (a unique friend).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Meanings
Mistake: "Tengo un amigo único. (When you mean 'I have only one friend.')"
Correction: Say 'Tengo un único amigo' to mean you have only one. Saying 'Tengo un amigo único' means you have a friend who is a very special, one-of-a-kind person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Think Quality
Use this meaning of 'único' when you're talking about the special characteristics of something, not how many there are.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: único
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'She is my only sister'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'único' and 'solo'?
It's a great question! Use 'único' before a noun to mean 'the only one' (e.g., 'el único coche' - the only car). Use 'solo' to mean 'just' or 'only' when it modifies a verb or the whole sentence (e.g., 'Solo quiero agua' - I only want water). 'Solo' can also mean 'alone' ('Estoy solo' - I am alone).
Why does the meaning of 'único' change depending on where it is?
Spanish has a few special adjectives that change their meaning slightly depending on whether they are placed before or after the noun they describe. Placing it *before* often gives it a more figurative or subjective meaning, while placing it *after* is usually more literal. For 'único', think of it this way: before = quantity ('only one'), after = quality ('special').