Unique, adj : only, unique, one of a kind.

The French word « unique » looks exactly like the English word “unique.”

The word “unique” in English typically means unique, inimitable, or exceptionnel.

As a semi-false cognate, in French « unique » changes meaning depending on its position in relation to the noun it modifies. The French word « unique » means “only” when it precedes a noun (unique fille = only girl) and “unique or one of a kind” when it follows.

Son mode de fonctionnement est unique.
It works in only one way.
There is a single mode of operation.

Cet objet est unique : il n’en existe qu’un seul exemplaire
This object is unique; only one example of it exists.

Ce marché flottant est unique au monde.
This floating market is unique in the world.
This floating market is the only one in the world.