satusatunya

Satusatunya is an Indonesian phrase commonly written as satu-satunya, meaning “the only one” or “the sole one.” It is used to emphasize that a person, thing, or situation is unique within a given context, excluding all others. The expression can function as a determiner in noun phrases or as a predicate to describe a subject’s status.

Etymology and spelling: The standard spelling is satu-satunya, formed from satu (one) with the possessive-like suffix -nya to indicate definiteness. In informal writing or casual digital communication, it may appear as satusatunya or satu-satunya without the hyphen, but the meaning remains the same.

Usage and examples: It appears in both written and spoken Indonesian. Examples: “Dia adalah satu-satunya kandidat yang memenuhi syarat.” (He is the only candidate who meets the requirements.) “Ini adalah satu-satunya cara untuk menyelesaikan masalah ini.” (This is the only way to solve this problem.) In some contexts, speakers may prefer the hyphenated form to maintain standard spelling.

Relation and nuance: Satu-satunya carries a strong evaluative or exclusivity nuance, often implying rarity or emphasis that justifies highlighting the subject. Synonyms include tunggal and unik in different contexts, though they do not always carry the same exact meaning. The phrase is common in journalism, education, and everyday conversation.