Spanish word

nomás

Pronunciation

IPA/noˈmas/

Meaning

  • adverbjust

Example

Si no puedes, nomás di la verdad.

If you can't, just tell the truth.

Illustration for nomás (just)

More examples

Dame nomás un poco.

Give me just a little.

Core concept

A short exclusion marker that narrows meaning to just one case.

Common phrases

  • nomás un poco

    just a little

Similar words

solo: Applies to a lone item or person, excluding all others.
solamente: Restricts an activity or range to that sole instance.
simplemente: Conveys a simple, unembellished statement without detail.
nada más: Indicates nothing further is added or required.

Definition in Spanish

Indica restricción o exclusión, equivalente a 'solo' o 'solamente' en contextos informales.

Word origin

Contracted from no más (no 'not' + más 'more') in colloquial speech, it came to mark restriction or exclusivity in informal Spanish.

Usage tips

  • In some conversational contexts, particularly in Mexican usage, nomás also indicates 'just now' for a recent action, so context determines whether it means only or just now.

Other meanings

  • onlyadverb
  • just nowadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word