Only Meaning in English
word
/ˈoʊnɫi/
OHN-lee
/ˈəʊnli/
OHN-lee
Definition
Used to indicate that something or someone is the single one or a very small number, or to emphasize something is restricted or exclusive.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often placed before nouns, adjectives, or verbs ('the only one', 'only recently', 'I only want'). Do not confuse with 'solely' (more formal). Avoid double 'only' in the same phrase.
Spanish: solo - solamentePortuguese (BR): só - somentePortuguese (PT): só - somenteChinese (Simplified): 仅仅 - 唯一Chinese (Traditional): 僅僅 - 唯一Hindi: केवल - मात्रArabic: فقط - فقطBengali: শুধু - শুধু মাত্রRussian: толькоJapanese: だけ - しか (否定文で)Vietnamese: chỉKorean: 오직 - 단지Turkish: sadeceUrdu: صرفIndonesian: hanya
Example Sentences
She is the only student in the class.
basic
I have only one apple left.
basic
They arrived only an hour ago.
basic
That’s the only way to solve the problem.
natural
I’m only joking, don’t take it seriously.
natural
She’s the only one who understands me.
natural