ser único en su especie
Lemma Details
Translation: to be one of a kind; to be unique in its kind; to be the only one of its type
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'ser' (to be), 'único' (unique, from Latin 'unicus' meaning 'only, sole'), 'en' (in), 'su' (its/his/her) and 'especie' (species, kind, from Latin 'species' meaning 'appearance, form, kind'). The expression literally means 'to be unique in its species' and is used to emphasize the exceptional or singular nature of something.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este manuscrito es único en su especie y tiene un valor incalculable.
This manuscript is one of a kind and has incalculable value.
El talento de este artista es único en su especie.
This artist's talent is unique in its kind.
Esta flor es única en su especie y solo crece en esta región.
This flower is the only one of its type and only grows in this region.
Mnemonics
- Think of a rare animal species with only one member left - it is 'único en su especie'
- Connect 'especie' with 'species' in English and imagine something that's the only one of its kind
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to highlight the exceptional qualities of a person, object, or phenomenon. It's often used in contexts where something is being praised for its uniqueness or originality.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ser único en su especie' is more specific and emphatic than just 'ser único'. The latter can sometimes mean 'to be the only one' in a more general sense, while the former specifically emphasizes uniqueness within a category or type.
Confused word:
Él es el único que puede resolver este problema.
He is the only one who can solve this problem.
Notes: 'Ser único' can sometimes just mean 'to be the only one' without emphasizing exceptional qualities, while 'ser único en su especie' always emphasizes exceptional uniqueness.
Mnemonic: When you add 'en su especie', you're specifying uniqueness within a category, like saying 'in its class'