Jamas and nunca; Solo, Solamente

Question

What is the difference between jamas and nunca. And when does one use solo and solamente. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Steve. Welcome to the forum.

"Jamás" is stronger than "nunca" and sort of means "ever." For example, "nunca jamás: means "never ever."

"Solo" means "only" and "solamente" means "solely."

Take a look in our dictionary and you'll see more example of how these words are used.

For "sólo" to mean "only" it is essential to put an accent on the first "o", otherwise it means alone or lonely. - Stardust2212, Apr 30, 2010

Answer 2

For "sólo" to mean "only" it is essential to put an accent on the first "o", otherwise it means alone or lonely

Not true. The R.A.E. reversed its earlier position on this (I think about twenty years ago but I'm not sure). Their current position is that the 'tilde' should be used when 'solo' is used as an adverb (simply a contracted form of 'solamente') and it might, otherwise be confused with the adjective (which doesn't [and never did] have a tilde).

E.G. "Fui solo/sólo para verte." Without the tilde, it's an adjective ("I went alone to see you." and with the tilde it's an adverb ("I went only to see you." ) The old rule had the advantage of consistency. The new rule has the advantage (if such it be) of not using diacritics when they are not necessary to understanding.

Thanks, Sam :-) - --Mariana--, Apr 30, 2010