In this Spanish grammar lesson today, we won’t just talk about when to use solo vs. only in Spanish, but we will also talk about the differences between “solo”, “only” and “only” in the Spanish language. This seems to be a confusing topic for many people who are learning Spanish. In fact, when I first started learning Spanish, this was a topic that often confused me. I asked many of my Spanish-speaking friends for help and none of them could help me. I even asked my Spanish teacher, and her explanation only confused me more. Finally, not only do I understand the differences between “solo”, “solo” and “only” in Spanish, but I can also explain the subject to other people who are learning to speak Spanish.

For starters, “only” (note the accent on the first letter “o”) and “only” are “adverbs”.

(adverbs). “Only” and “only” are interchangeable and both mean “only”. For instance:

It’s only two weeks until the holidays start.

(It’s only two weeks until the holidays start.)

I have eight siblings and she only two.

(I have eight siblings and she only has two).

On the other hand, “solo / a” (note that there is no accent on the first letter

“or”) is an “adjective” (adjective). “Solo / a ‘” is NOT interchangeable with “only” and “only”.

Solo / a means lonely or lonely. For instance:

I want to be alone so I can study without getting distracted.

I want to be alone so I can study without being distracted.

Note that “solo” (solo, lonely), which is an adjective, can be masculine or (feminine):

alone or alone. But “only” (or “only”) that is an adverb only has one form. Look at these examples:

I live alone.

I live alone.

I live only (only) for you.

I only live for you.

I live alone for you.

I live only for you.

Of course, in normal conversation you won’t be able to see the accent on “only” or see the lack of an accent on “solo”. Therefore, you will have to rely on the context of the conversation to determine which one the speaker intends to use. Here is an example using solo and only:

I drink alone, only when I am depressed. ”

I drink alone, only when I’m depressed.

Hope this clears up any confusion about when to use “solo”, “solo” and “only” in Spanish.