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"Only" is an adverb which is often translated as "solo", and "not just" is a phrase which is often translated as "no solo". Learn more about the difference between "only" and "not just" below.
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.
not just(
nat
juhst
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. no solo
Knowing how to read is not just about decoding text.Saber leer no consiste solo en ser capaz de descifrar el texto.
b. no solamente
You should obey your mother too and not just your father.Debes obedecer a tu madre también y no solamente a tu padre.
c. no únicamente
I have cavities, and not just in one tooth.Tengo caries, y no únicamente en un solo diente.
2. (not merely)
a. no solamente
This is not just a painting. This is a painting by Rembrandt.Esto no es solamente un cuadro. Esto es un de Rembrandt.
b. no simplemente
I hope you are not just rushing to finish. It's important to do quality work.Espero que no estés simplemente apresurándote a terminar. Es importante hacer un trabajo de calidad.
