Sólo / Solo

Question

Hi,Can you explain when one might use sólo as opposed to solo? They both seem to mean "just" or "only."Thanks. John

Accepted Answer

Hola John
Since 2010 the rules about sólo and solo changed. Before 2010 the rule was to use sólo with an accent for the adverb "only/just" (synonym of "solamente"), as in "Yo solo quiero estar tranquilo" (I only/just want to be on my own), and to use solo with no accent for the adjective "alone", as in "Quiero estar solo" (I want to be alone). The accent was used to differentiate the two meanings. 
With the new rule from 2010 this rule changed and we don't accentuate solo in any case, so you would only know the meaning of solo by the context. 
Hope this bit of information helps.
Saludos
Inma

Answer

Hello Inma,Thank you, that's a really clear answer.Buenos deseosJohn

Answer

Hola John
Just some extra info for you and anyone else reading this - we cover "Does solo have a written accent?" on our page about Written accents in Spanish.
Saludos
Shui

Answer

Great - thanks. J