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"All" is an adjective which is often translated as "todo", and "only" is an adverb which is often translated as "solo". Learn more about the difference between "all" and "only" below.
all(
al
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. todo (masculine)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
There isn't any glue left. Did you use it all?No queda pegamento. ¿Lo usaste todo?
b. toda (feminine)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
And the soup? - Sorry, I ate it all.¿Y la sopa? - Lo siento, me la comí toda.
a. todos (masculine)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
There was graffiti saying, "Liberty and justice for all."Había una pintada que decía: "Libertad y justicia para todos".
b. todas (feminine)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
Don't worry, ladies, there's plenty for all. No need to push.No se preocupen, señoras, hay suficiente para todas. No hace falta empujar.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I proved that all of you were lying.He probado que todos estaban mintiendo.
The child picked up all of his toys from the floor.El niño recogió todos sus juguetes del suelo.
b. todo lo que
All you have to do is put the pizza in the oven and eat it.Todo lo que tienes que hacer es meter la pizza en el horno y comértela.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
8. (entirely)
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
only(
on
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. solo
This is an honor reserved only for important people.Este es un honor que se reserva solo para gente importante.
b. solamente
Only people with boarding passes are permitted beyond this point.Solamente personas con pases de abordar se permiten más allá de este punto.
c. únicamente
Only people older than 21 years old can enter the bar.Únicamente gente de 21 años o más puede entrar al bar.
3. (merely)
a. solamente
I'm only an assistant. My boss makes those decisions.Solamente soy un asistente. Mi jefe toma esas decisiones.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I saw them only last week and they seemed happy. I can't believe they broke up.Los vi apenas hace una semana y parecían felices. No puedo creer que hayan roto.
It seems like only yesterday that we were getting married, and now we're celebrating our 25th anniversary.Parece que solo fue ayer que nos casamos, y ahora estamos celebrando nuestro 25 aniversario.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. pero
I'd really like to go, only I have to work that day.De veras me gustaría ir, pero tengo que trabajar ese día.
