Quick answer
Só can mean either “only” or “alone.” Apenas means “only” without that ambiguity.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
só
only or alone
Use só for restriction in everyday speech, or being without company.
apenas
only or merely
Use apenas for neutral restriction of an amount, fact, or action.
How to choose
- só: Choose só if the sentence points to restriction in everyday speech, or being without company.
- apenas: Choose apenas if the sentence points to neutral restriction of an amount, fact, or action.
Examples
Hoje eu estou só.
Today I am alone.
Tenho apenas dez reais.
I have only ten reais.
Common trap
The adjective só changes for plural when it means alone: elas estão sós. The adverb meaning only does not change.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with só, then once with apenas. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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