jedyna

Jedyna is a Polish adjective in the feminine singular form that means "the only" or "the sole." It derives from the numeral jeden (one) and is related to the masculine form jedyny and the neuter form jedyne. It is used to express exclusivity with a feminine noun, for example jedyna kobieta (the only woman) or to describe a singular quality, such as To jest jedyna opcja (That is the only option).

In typical use, jedyna agrees with a feminine noun in gender and number. It can function attributively, as in jedyna szansa (the only chance), or predicatively with the verb to be, as in Ona jest jedyną osobą, która wiedziała (She is the only person who knew). The form also appears in phrases emphasizing uniqueness, such as jedyna w swoim rodzaju (one of a kind) or moja jedyna miłość (my one and only love).

Etymology traces jedyna to the root of jeden (one), with standard Polish adjective formation to express exclusivity. The word is common in everyday language, literature, media, and expressions that highlight singularity or exclusivity. In addition to its dictionary sense, jedyna can appear in affectionate or emphatic phrasing, especially when referring to a person or thing regarded as unique or unmatched.

See also: jedyny, jedyne, jedynie.