Spanish Grammar Bank
HOW TO SAY JUST IN SPANISH
In Spanish, the concepts of “just” and “only” are expressed using the adverb solo and its synonyms, solamente and únicamente.
These terms are used to indicate limitation or exclusivity, often functioning like their English counterparts “just” and “only”.
“SOLO” AS AN ADVERB
n Spanish, the term solo and its synonyms, solamente and únicamente function as an adverb when they mean “just” or “only”, their use depending on context, tone, and formality.
- Solo – the most commonly and colloquially used adverb.
- Solamente – is more neutral and slightly more formal; it is not as commonly used as solo in the spoken language and is preferably used in writing.
- Únicamente – the most formal and precise synonym among the three and is often used in more formal contexts of speech and writing.
NOTE || It must be noted that the word solo can also function as an adjective, in which case, it carries a completely different meaning, “alone”.
PATTERN
Solo/solamente/únicamente + verb, noun, or pronoun
Solo/solamente/únicamente + prepositional phrase
| Solo puedo ir a la cena. | I can only go to the dinner. |
| Solamente queremos ver el local. | We only want to see the place. |
| Únicamente se permite la entrada a los mayores de edad. | Entrance is only permitted to those of legal age. |
View More Examples:
| Solo quedan tres entradas a la venta. | Only three tickets are left for sale. |
| Él solamente trabaja por las mañanas. | He only works in the mornings. |
| El médico únicamente tiene consulta los martes y los jueves. | The doctor only has office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. |
“SOLO” TO EXPRESS LIMITATIONS
The most common usage of the adverbs solo and its synonyms, solamente and únicamente is to restrict or limit an action, event, or condition.
The adverb solo (and its synonyms), in this context, is used to restrict the scope of an action, person, or condition to a single choice, element, or idea—highlighting the exclusivity or restriction.
PATTERN
Solo/solamente/únicamente + verb, noun, or pronoun
The adverbs solo, solamente, and únicamente are typically placed before the word or phrase being limited.
| Solo podemos escoger un plato. | We can only choose one dish. |
| Solo quiero comprar estos libros. | I only want to buy these books. |
| Solamente nos queda media hora para llegar. | We only have thirty minutes left before we arrive. |
View More Examples:
| Solamente queremos café después de comer. | We only want coffee after lunch. |
| Únicamente nos queda esta opción por probar. | We only have this option left to try. |
| Únicamente un concursante acabó la carrera. | Only one contestant finished the race. |
“SOLO” FOR SPECIFICITY
“Just” and “only” in English are commonly used as well to emphasize a specific condition, event, or element.
In Spanish, the adverbs solo, solamente, and únicamente – depending on the level of formality – serve the same purpose.
When the adverbs solo, solamente, and únicamente are used in this particular context, they draw attention to a specific idea within the sentence:
- Solamente – introduces focus without altering the tone.
- Sólamente / Únicamente – add emphasis with a bit more formality, hence are more appropriate for more formal written or spoken language.
PATTERN
Solo/solamente/únicamente + prepositional phrase
| Solo con mucha suerte ganaremos la lotería. | Only with a lot of luck will we win the lottery. |
| Solamente ellos pueden entrar en la reunion. | Only they can enter the meeting. |
| Únicamente los primeros en llegar podrán participar. | Only the first ones to arrive will be able to participate. |
View More Examples:
| Solo lo entenderás si escuchas con atención. | You will only understand it if you listen attentively. |
| Solamente te pido que no llegues tarde. | I only ask for you not to be late. |
| La función únicamente comenzará cuando todos estén sentados. | The show will only commence once everyone is seated. |
AVOIDING AMBIGUITY
Historically, when the word solo was used as an adverb (just/only), it carried an accent (sólo) to distinguish it from its use as an adjective solo (alone).
However, this distinction by way of an accent has been deemed unnecessary, even in cases of potential ambiguity.
In rare cases when solo is used as an adverb, it can create ambiguity because solo can also be used as an adjective when meaning to say “alone”.
In these seldom ocassions, speakers or writers are encouraged to use context, and synonyms (solamente or únicamente) or to restructure the phrase for clarity.
- Use context to clarify the intended meaning.
- Use synonyms solamente and únicamente to avoid confusion, instead of solo.
- Try rephrasing the sentence for precision and clarity.
Examples:
1. Ambiguous sentence:
| Spanish Phrase | Possible English Translation |
|---|---|
| Quiero estar solo en casa. | I just want to be at home. |
| Quiero estar solo en casa. | I want to be home alone. |
2. Clear sentence with synonyms:
| Spanish Phrase | Possible English Translation |
|---|---|
| Quiero estar solamente en casa. | I just want to be at home. |
| Quiero estar sin nadie en casa. | I want to be home alone. |
3. Clear sentence with rephrasing:
| Spanish Phrase | Possible English Translation |
|---|---|
| Solo quiero estar en casa. | I just want to be at home. |
| Quiero estar yo solo en casa. | I want to be home alone. |
4. Ambiguous sentence:
| Spanish Phrase | Possible English Translation |
|---|---|
| Voy solo al concierto. | I am only going to the concert. |
| Voy solo al concierto. | I am going to the concert alone. |
5. Clear sentence with synonyms:
| Spanish Phrase | Possible English Translation |
|---|---|
| Voy solamente al concierto. | I am only going to the concert. |
| Voy yo solo al concierto. | I am going to the concert alone. |
6. Clear sentence with rephrasing:
| Spanish Phrase | Possible English Translation |
|---|---|
| Solo voy a ir al concierto. | I am only going to the concert. |
| No voy con nadie al concierto. | I am not going with anyone to the concert. |
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FAQs
What’s the difference between solo and solamente?
There is no major difference—both mean “only” and are often interchangeable.
Solo is more common in speech, while solamente can sound a bit more formal.
When should I use sólo with an accent?
The word sólo used to take an accent when it meant “only,” to distinguish it from solo (meaning “alone”).
However, the Real Academia Española no longer requires the accent, unless needed for clarity in rare cases.
Can I use solo to mean “just now” or “just happened”?
No, in that context, you should use acabar de + infinitive to say something “just happened.”
Example: Acabo de llegar. (“I just arrived.”)
How do I say “just” as in “just a minute” in Spanish?
You can use solo or solamente to mean “just” in the sense of “only.”
Example: Espera solo un minuto. (“Just wait one minute.”)
Is solo an adjective or an adverb?
It can be both:
As an adjective, it means “alone” and agrees in gender/number (solo, sola, solos, solas).
As an adverb, it means “only/just” and is invariable (solo or solamente).
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