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"Solo" is a form of "solo", an adjective which is often translated as "alone". "Único" is an adjective which is often translated as "only". Learn more about the difference between "único" and "solo" below.
único(
oo
-
nee
-
koh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. only
Nuestro único objetivo es ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a salir adelante.Our only objective is to help our students succeed.
a. unique
Thoreau fue un escritor único.Thoreau was a unique writer.
a. only
Mariela es hija única.Mariela is an only child.
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solo(
soh
-
loh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. alone
Me da miedo estar solo en la oscuridad.It scares me to be alone in the dark.
b. on one's own
¿Prefieres ver películas sola, o con amigos?Do you prefer to watch movies on your own, or with friends?
c. by itself
Quiero la hamburguesa sola, sin pan.I want the burger by itself, without a bun.
a. lonely
Me sentía muy sola cuando llegué a Tokio por primera vez.I felt very lonely when I arrived in Tokyo for the first time.
a. single
Este cuarto tiene un solo clóset, pero tenemos mucha ropa.This room has a single closet, but we have a lot of clothes.
a. black
Tomaré un café solo, por favor.I will have a black coffee, please.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. only
Solo hay un problema.There is only one problem.
b. just
Solo haz lo que te digo. No hagas preguntas.Just do what I tell you. Don't ask questions.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. solo
El solo de guitarra fue espectacular.The guitar solo was amazing.
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