Sólo and solo

[Liquinn3]

What's the difference between these two words? With and without the accent?
When is one used over the other?

Por ejemplo:
Sólo en mi casa.
Solo en mi casa.

Thanks.

[pjt33]

This isn't as simple as it used to be.

The traditional distinction: sólo is an adverb (only), solo is an adjective (alone). If you can replace it with solamente then it should have an accent.

However, a few years ago the Academies decided to simplify things by saying that the accent is only necessary when there's a possible ambiguity. So you will find some recent high-register writing which uses solo as an adverb.

[Liquinn3]

Originally Posted by pjt33

This isn't as simple as it used to be.

The traditional distinction: sólo is an adverb (only), solo is an adjective (alone). If you can replace it with solamente then it should have an accent.

However, a few years ago the Academies decided to simplify things by saying that the accent is only necessary when there's a possible ambiguity. So you will find some recent high-register writing which uses solo as an adverb.

Gracias por tu explanación.

Solo en mi casa.

Would this mean "only in my house" if I was to say "Solo en mi case."?

This is why I think writing Spanish is the hardest.

Gracias.

[Rusty]

Only in my house.
= Sólo en mi casa.
OR
= Solo en mi casa.

Alone in my house.
= Solo en mi casa.


You shouldn't use 'solo' without the accent mark unless there's sufficient context. Otherwise, your audience is left guessing which meaning you intended.