único
Lemma Details
Translation: only; unique; sole; single; one and only
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'unicus' meaning 'only, sole, singular', which derives from 'unus' (one). The English words 'unique' and 'unicorn' (literally 'one-horn') share this Latin root. The accent mark in 'único' indicates stress on the first syllable, distinguishing it from an unaccented form.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Es el único restaurante abierto a esta hora.
It's the only restaurant open at this hour.
Cada persona tiene una huella digital única.
Each person has a unique fingerprint.
Mi hijo es hijo único.
My son is an only child.
Esta es una oportunidad única en la vida.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'unicorn' - a unique animal with one horn (uni = one, único = only one of its kind).
- The word sounds like 'unique' in English, which has the same meaning.
- The accent on the 'ú' makes it stand out - unique among the letters.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, being 'único' can have positive connotations of distinctiveness and specialness, particularly in personal relationships where someone might be described as 'mi único amor' (my only love). The concept is also important in marketing and branding, where products are promoted as having unique qualities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'único' means 'only' or 'unique', 'solo' means 'alone' or 'only' but with emphasis on being solitary or doing something without help. 'Único' emphasizes singularity or uniqueness, while 'solo' emphasizes isolation or independence.
Confused word:
Vive solo en una casa grande.
He lives alone in a big house.
Notes: In some contexts, they can be interchangeable when meaning 'only', but 'único' carries more emphasis on uniqueness or exclusivity.
Mnemonic: 'Único' has an accent mark, making it 'unique' in appearance, while 'solo' looks like 'solo' in English (performing alone).
Explanation: The unaccented 'unico' is not a standard Spanish word but might be mistakenly written without the accent. The accent in 'único' is crucial as it indicates the stress on the first syllable.
Confused word:
No existe la palabra 'unico' sin acento en español correcto.
The word 'unico' without an accent doesn't exist in correct Spanish.
Notes: Always include the accent when writing 'único' to be grammatically correct.
Mnemonic: Remember the accent by thinking: 'A unique word deserves a unique mark'.