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How to Say "sole" in Spanish

English → Spanish

planta

PLAN-tahˈplan.ta

nounB1
Use 'planta' when referring to the bottom surface of a person's foot.
The underside view of a bare human foot, clearly highlighting the curved surface of the sole.

Examples

Sentí una astilla clavada en la planta del pie.

I felt a splinter stuck in the sole of my foot.

El masajista me frotó la planta para aliviar el dolor.

The masseuse rubbed my sole to relieve the pain.

Body Parts

Like many body parts, 'planta' is typically used with the definite article ('la') rather than a possessive word ('mi').

único

oo-nee-koˈuniko

adjectiveA2
Use 'único' as a more formal synonym for 'only' or 'sole' when referring to something singular or without others.
A row of five identical ceramic pedestals, with only one pedestal holding a simple green vase, visually representing the concept of 'only one' in quantity.

Examples

Es mi único par de zapatos.

It's my only pair of shoes.

La única persona que sabe la verdad es Ana.

The only person who knows the truth is Ana.

No tengo hermanos, soy hijo único.

I don't have siblings, I'm an only child.

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).

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).

tapa

TAH-pahˈtapa

nounB1
Use 'tapa' to refer specifically to the bottom layer or heel tip of a shoe that needs replacement.
A detailed close-up of the bottom end of a slender black high heel, showing the small, round, black rubber heel tip.

Examples

Necesito llevar estos zapatos al zapatero para cambiar la tapa.

I need to take these shoes to the cobbler to change the heel tip.

La tapa de mis botas ya está muy gastada.

The sole/heel tip of my boots is already very worn out.

exclusivo

eks-kloo-SEE-boheks.klu.ˈsi.βo

adjectiveA2
Use 'exclusivo' when 'sole' means exclusive, meaning only certain people have rights or access.
A velvet rope barrier standing in front of a single elegant chair, indicating a reserved area.

Examples

Este club es exclusivo para los residentes del edificio.

This club is exclusive for the building's residents.

Tengo el uso exclusivo de la oficina durante la mañana.

I have the sole use of the office during the morning.

La periodista consiguió una entrevista exclusiva con el presidente.

The journalist got an exclusive interview with the president.

Matching Gender and Number

Since this word describes something, it must change to match the item it describes: 'un club exclusivo' (male/singular), 'una zona exclusiva' (female/singular), or 'servicios exclusivos' (male/plural).

Position After the Noun

In Spanish, this word usually comes after the person or thing it describes to distinguish it from others, like 'un derecho exclusivo'.

Using it as 'Exclusively'

Mistake: “Hablo exclusivo con él.”

Correction: Hablo exclusivamente con él. (Use the -mente version when describing an action/verb rather than a thing/noun).

Confusing 'planta' and 'tapa' for shoes

Learners often confuse 'planta' and 'tapa' when talking about shoes. Remember that 'planta' refers to the sole of the foot, while 'tapa' specifically means the bottom layer or heel tip of a shoe, often something that wears out and needs repair.

Related Translations

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