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How to Say "solely" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pura

/POO-rah//ˈpu.ɾa/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'pura' when 'solely' functions as an adjective modifying a noun, emphasizing that something consists *only* of that thing.
A vast, expansive field covered entirely by bright red poppy flowers, extending to the horizon, showing only that one type of flower.

Examples

Ella pasa el día en pura televisión.

She spends the day watching nothing but TV.

Mi hermana come pura fruta.

My sister eats only fruit.

Colloquial Use as 'Only'

In many informal settings, using 'pura' before a noun is a quick way to say 'only this' or 'nothing else but this,' replacing words like 'solamente' or 'solo.'

Overusing 'Pura' in Formal Contexts

Mistake: “Using 'pura' to mean 'only' in a business email.”

Correction: This usage is informal. Stick to 'solo' or 'solamente' in formal writing to mean 'only.'

únicamente

adverbB1formal
Use 'únicamente' as an adverb to modify a verb or entire clause, often for formal or emphatic statements meaning 'only' or 'exclusively'.

Examples

Lo hice únicamente por ayudar.

I did it solely to help.

Adjective vs. Adverb Confusion

The most common mistake is using 'pura' as an adverb, which is incorrect. Remember that 'pura' describes a noun (like 'pura televisión' - pure television), while 'únicamente' modifies an action or statement (like 'lo hice únicamente' - I did it solely).

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