vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Único" is an adjective which is often translated as "only", and "lo único" is a phrase which is often translated as "the only thing". Learn more about the difference between "único" and "lo único" 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.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
lo único(
loh
 
oo
-
nee
-
koh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. the only thing
La fiesta estuvo genial. Lo único que no me gustó fue la banda.The party was great. The only thing that I didn't like was the band.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.