Solo-Only

Wednesday, 18 July 2012 14:29

Written by Editor

Solo - Only

Again today we are looking at words which have a number of meanings and the simplest ways of translating them into Spanish. Recently in class someone asked how to say "only"

Well, of course, I had to reply  -  Depende.  No, depende does not mean only.  I was saying that it depends.  It depends on what "only" you want to say. As fluent English speakers, we often don't realise how complex the English language is.  Believe me, Spanish people are struggling just as much with English irregular verbs and rules which, in English we have so many exceptions that it  makes one wonder if learning the rule makes any sense at all,  as we are with all aspects of the Spanish language.

So, only can be translated by  solo.

Solo tengo tres euros,  I only have three euros.
Hay solo una manzana,  There-s only one apple

But solo also means alone

Un café  solo,  is a black coffee  But very strong. 
If you want a slightly weaker black coffee, ask for café Americano.
Un whisky solo ( Remember it’s usually pronounced whikie)  Straight whisky.

Único also means only

He’s an only son  Es hijo único,  An only daughter  Hija única
No Más que  literally means no more than ie you’ve only got to ask for it
No tienes más que pedirlo, I only touched it No hice más que  tocarlo

As we have seen before in this column  If only is Ojalá

In answer to any question where you wish the answer were yes.
¿Tienes un coche nuevo? Ojalá Have you got a new car.  If only
¿Vas de vacaciones este verano? Ojalá  Are you going on holiday this summer, If only
If only I knew Ojalá que supiera, Ojalá hablara español,  If only I spoke Spanish

Well, we’re getting there Poco a poco

Hasta la próxima.  Until next time.
Valerie.

Valerie runs the Centro Idiomas Language School in Coin.
Her books, “The First Twelve Shortcuts to Spanish” , “The Second Twelve Shortcuts to Spanish”  (€5 each) and  “The Verb Book” (€7) are available from The News office in Coin, Woody’s Cards and Books in Los Boliches, David’s Books in Los Boliches or by email from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Valerie's books can now be bought from her website - www.cslspain.com or call 952 450 747.