sólo y solamente

Question

These two words seem to be nearly interchangeable, when is one used instead of another ? Thanks mucho.
James

Answer 1

They are basically the same, although in some cases one might sound better than the other to a native speaker. Also, it is no longer necessary to use the accent on solo, except when omitting it could cause ambiguity. I personally prefer the older rule (use the accent on the adverb, not on the adjective), but I don't make the rules.

Answer 2

They are interchangeable as adverbs:

Solo quiero comer = Sólo quiero comer. = Solamente quiero comer.
(I just want to eat)

Before 1998, according to the RAE, the accent was compulsory, but the changed the rule, and now they recommend that the accent is used only when there exists the possibility of a misunderstanding.

As an adjective, they cannot be excanged:

Estoy solo ? Estoy solamente
(I am alone ? I am only)

When a misunderstanding is possible, the accent must be used:

Fui solo a comprar el pan
I just went to buy the bread''?
I wenta lone to buy the bread''?

The new rule actually makes things more complicated, except for those who don't care about orthography or correct interpretations. I prefer the old rules.

Answer 3

Algunos ejemplos del uso de las palabras "solo" y "solamente"

Solamente una vez amé en la vida.
Solamente una vez y nada más.
Solamente voy a tomar agua

Sólo quiero que me dejes un instante.
Sólo dame tu cariño.
Sólo deseo enseñar español.

Solo sin tu cariño voy caminando y no se que hacer.
Estoy solo en este lugar desierto.

Aunque el acento dejó de usarse hace tiempo, por lo que el contexto de lo platicado nos indica de que "solo" estamos hablando.

Answer 4

Thanks James... as usual you're very helpful.

Answer 5

James Santiago: doesn't "solo" with no accent mean "alone"?

How about the use of "único"? I use this to mean "only" or "unique".
Esto es el único libro por Shakespeare en esta tienda. (This is the only book by Shakespeare in this store.)
Esto escarabajo es único. (This beetle is unique.)
Estoy el único quedando. (I am the only one left.)

Where I use "sólo" for a use like a adverb -- I guess.
Solamente queiro su dinero. (I only want your money.)
Juan sólo queires a iré al juego. (John only wants to go to the game.)

Is this correct?

Warning: My comments may be harmful to your Spanish.

Answer 6

James Santiago: doesn't "solo" with no accent mean "alone"'

As I said above, it can be either an adverb (only) or an adjective (alone, only one), under the new rule from the RAE. With an accent, it can only be an adverb (con la tilde, solo puede ser un adverbio).

Answer 7

Maria de los Angeles said:

Aunque el acento dejó de usarse hace tiempo, por lo que el contexto de lo platicado nos indica de que "solo" estamos hablando.

No en algunas frases (como la que puse más arriba), que es por lo que necesitamos la tilde.