Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Something in Spanish
Algo · pronoun · AHL-goh
"Something" in Spanish is algo, an invariable indefinite pronoun that does not change for gender or number. It pairs naturally with de + noun or de + infinitive: algo de agua (some water), algo de beber (something to drink). When used as an adverb, algo means "somewhat": Es algo complicado (It's somewhat complicated).
AHL-goh
¿Quieres algo de comer?
Do you want something to eat?
Something in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for something, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| algo | something | AHL-goh | Default, widely understood |
| alguna cosa | something | emphatic or formal variant |
How Native Speakers Use Algo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Offering help
¿Necesitas algo?
Do you need something?
Algo in a question is neutral and polite — perfect for offering assistance.
Adverbial use
La situación es algo confusa.
The situation is somewhat confusing.
Here algo works as an adverb modifying the adjective confusa, meaning 'a bit' or 'somewhat.'
Negative contrast
Algo me dijo que no fuera, pero fui de todas formas.
Something told me not to go, but I went anyway.
Algo can refer to an undefined feeling or intuition, serving as a vague subject pronoun.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Algo
Confusing algo with alguien
Incorrect: Algo llamó a la puerta.
Correct: Alguien llamó a la puerta.
Algo refers to things ('something'), while alguien refers to people ('someone'). A person knocking requires alguien, not algo.
Using algo in fully negative sentences
Incorrect: No tengo algo que decir.
Correct: No tengo nada que decir.
In negative sentences, algo switches to its negative counterpart nada. Spanish requires negative concord: no … nada, not no … algo.
Lock in Something Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Algo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using algo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear ¿Quieres algo de comer? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Something in Spanish
- What is the opposite of algo?
- The opposite is nada (nothing). In negative constructions, algo becomes nada: ¿Tienes algo? → No tengo nada.
- Can algo be used as an adverb?
- Beyond its pronoun role, algo can modify adjectives and adverbs to mean 'somewhat' or 'a little': Estoy algo cansado (I'm somewhat tired). This adverbial use is common in both spoken and written Spanish.
- What is the difference between algo and algún?
- Algo is a pronoun meaning 'something' and stands alone. Algún (or alguno/alguna) is an adjective or pronoun meaning 'some' or 'any' and accompanies or replaces a noun: ¿Tienes algún libro? (Do you have any book?).