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"Is" is a form of "be", a copular verb which is often translated as "ser". "Only" is an adverb which is often translated as "solo". Learn more about the difference between "only" and "is" 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.
be(
bi
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I'm going to the party. - So am I.Voy a la fiesta. - Yo también.
It is a lovely day, isn't it?Es un día precioso, ¿verdad?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I don't know how much salt is to be added to the sauce.No sé cuánta sal hay que añadir a la salsa.
The assignment is to be done by next Thursday.La tarea tiene que estar para el jueves que viene.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
My baby is due in three months.Mi bebé nacerá dentro de tres meses.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the dentist.Mañana voy al dentista.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Had it not been for his family, he would have never become an artist.Si no fuera por su familia, nunca habría sido artista.
If I were you, I would not go.Yo en tu lugar, no iría.
