Inklingo

How to Say "unique" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “unique” is “único” — use 'único' when emphasizing that something is the only one of its kind, or has a special quality that sets it apart from all others.

English → Spanish

único

adjectiveB1general
Use 'único' when emphasizing that something is the only one of its kind, or has a special quality that sets it apart from all others.

Examples

Este artista tiene un estilo único.

This artist has a unique style.

original

oh-ree-hee-NALoɾixiˈnal

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'original' when 'unique' refers to something being new, creative, inventive, or not a copy of something else.
Four identical white sheep standing in a line in a green field, with one sheep uniquely wearing a bright red top hat, illustrating creativity and uniqueness.

Examples

Su estilo de pintura es muy original y fácil de reconocer.

Her painting style is very unique and easy to recognize.

Me encanta el regalo, es un detalle muy original.

I love the gift, it's a very creative/thoughtful detail.

singular

seen-goo-LARsiŋɡuˈlaɾ

adjectiveB1general
Use 'singular' to highlight that something is remarkable, extraordinary, or stands out due to its distinctiveness.
A single bright blue bird standing in a group of many yellow birds.

Examples

Ella tiene un talento singular para la pintura.

She has a unique talent for painting.

Fue un suceso singular que nadie pudo explicar.

It was an extraordinary event that no one could explain.

Es una persona de una belleza singular.

She is a person of remarkable beauty.

One word for both genders

This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing. You say 'un niño singular' and 'una niña singular'.

Placement for emphasis

When you put 'singular' after a noun, it usually means 'unique' or 'special.' If you were to put it before (less common), it sounds very poetic.

Don't add an 'a' for feminine

Mistake: “una idea singulara”

Correction: una idea singular. Words ending in -ar don't change to -a for feminine things.

peculiar

peh-koo-lyahrpe.kuˈljaɾ

adjectiveB1general
Opt for 'peculiar' when 'unique' describes something unusual, odd, or distinctive in a way that might be strange or characteristic.
A bright purple tree standing in the middle of a forest of green trees.

Examples

Este plato tiene un sabor peculiar pero muy rico.

This dish has a peculiar but very delicious taste.

Es una costumbre peculiar de esta región de España.

It is a custom peculiar to this region of Spain.

Su estilo de pintura es muy peculiar y fácil de reconocer.

His painting style is very distinctive and easy to recognize.

One Form for Everyone

This word doesn't change its ending based on gender. You can say 'un hombre peculiar' or 'una mujer peculiar' without changing a single letter.

Plural Rules

To make this word plural, just add '-es' to the end: 'peculiares'. Use it for groups of things or people.

The 'A' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'peculiara' for feminine things.”

Correction: Always use 'peculiar' for both masculine and feminine. Say 'la idea peculiar,' not 'la idea peculiara'.

Único vs. Original

The most common confusion is between 'único' and 'original'. Learners often use 'original' when they mean something is the only one of its kind ('único'). Remember, 'original' implies creativity or being the first of its kind, while 'único' emphasizes singularity and specialness.

Related Translations

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