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"Only one" is a noun which is often translated as "el único", and "one" is an adjective which is often translated as "un". Learn more about the difference between "only one" and "one" below.
only one(
on
-
li
 
wuhn
)
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
noun
a. el único
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
(masculine)
You're the only one I told my secret to.Eres el único a quien dije mi secreto.
b. la única
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
(feminine)
My sister is the only one still in Ecuador.Mi hermana es la única que permanece en Ecuador.
a. el único
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
(masculine)
If you want to go to an Italian restaurant, Piero's is the only one.Si quieres ir a un restaurante italiano, Piero's es el único.
b. la única
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
(feminine)
I've searched forever for the perfect white T-shirt, and this is the only one.He buscado la camiseta blanca perfecta por una eternidad, y ésta es la única.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. sólo un (masculine)
Let's get only one appetizer.Pedimos sólo un aperitivo.
b. sólo una (feminine)
Only one artwork will win the contest.Sólo una obra de arte va a ganar el concurso.
c. solamente un (masculine)
It was only one kiss. It's not a big deal.Fue solamente un beso. No es importante.
d. solamente una (feminine)
Professor Wilson is teaching only one class this semester.Profesor Wilson va a enseñar solamente una clase este semestre.
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one(
wuhn
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. un
I'm taking one class this semester.Estoy tomando una clase este semestre.
My nephew is one year old.Mi sobrino tiene un año.
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
noun
a. el uno
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
One is the loneliest number that you've ever seen.Uno es el número más solitario que has visto.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Charlie's one on Tuesday.Charlie cumple un año el martes.
Let's meet at one.Nos vemos a la una.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. el uno
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
, la una
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
I'll have a beer if you're having one.Yo me tomo una cerveza si tú tomas una.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
He's the one I told you about the other day.Ese es el de quien te hablé el otro día.
I think I'll take the yellow one.Creo que me llevo la amarilla.
c. el único
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
, la única
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
I knew from the start James was the one for me.Supe desde el principio que James era el único para mí.
a. el uno
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(M)
, la una
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(F)
When such a terrible thing happens, one is rendered speechless.Cuando pasa una cosa tan terrible, uno se queda sin palabras.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
In my experience, one is usually alone in life.En mi experiencia, en la vida sueles estar solo.
Sometimes one has to be cruel to be kind.A veces es verdad eso de que quien bien te quiere te hará llorar.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.