One at a time Meaning in English
expression
ˈwən/ /ˈæt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtaɪm
WUHN-uht-uh-TYM
wˈɒn/ /ˈæt/ /æɪ/ /tˈaɪm
WON-uht-uh-TYM
Definition
Used to describe doing or handling things sequentially, dealing with one thing before moving onto the next. Often said to encourage patience or order.
Usage & Nuances
Common in everyday conversation to encourage order, especially with groups or tasks. It’s sometimes used as a polite instruction: 'Please, one at a time.' Often used when several people are speaking, or to emphasize patience in completing steps.
Spanish: uno por uno - de uno en unoPortuguese (BR): um de cada vezPortuguese (PT): um de cada vezChinese (Simplified): 一次一个Chinese (Traditional): 一次一個Hindi: एक समय में एकArabic: واحد في كل مرةBengali: এক জন করে - এক করেRussian: по одномуJapanese: 一人ずつ - 一つずつVietnamese: từng người một - từng cái mộtKorean: 한 번에 한 명씩 - 한 번에 하나씩Turkish: birer birerUrdu: ایک وقت میں ایکIndonesian: satu per satu
Example Sentences
Please come in one at a time.
basic
Take the cookies one at a time.
basic
Let's answer the questions one at a time.
basic
Guys, talk one at a time so I can hear you.
natural
If you try to carry all those bags, just do it one at a time.
natural
Life can feel overwhelming, so take things one at a time.
natural