alguno
/alˈɡuno/
The Spanish word for any is alguno. Wiktionary also lists ninguno.
Meaning: at least one (kind) (det)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alguno | /alˈɡuno/ | |
| ninguno | /ninˈɡuno/ | negative |
alguno is used to mean at least one (kind). In a negative context, ningún or ninguna is often used to mean any.
Which one should you use?
While alguno is used for affirmative 'any' or 'some', ninguno is used for the negative 'any' or 'none' in negative sentences.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of alguno is alguna. The masculine plural form of alguno is algunos. The feminine plural form of alguno is algunas. The negative form ninguno shortens to ningún when placed immediately before a masculine singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈɡuno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use alguno in negative sentences where Spanish requires the negative form ninguno or ningún.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish dialects, alguno is used in a 'double negative' construction to mean 'none' when it follows the noun, such as no tengo libro alguno.
- The word ninguno is a linguistic fossil of the Late Latin phrase nec ūnus, meaning 'not even one'.
- When alguno is used in a question, it often shifts meaning from 'any' to 'some', suggesting that the speaker expects the answer to be yes.
Examples in context
- No me gusta ninguno.I don't like any of them.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ninguno in a negative sentence.Tatoeba #737955 by Shishir, translation #32110 by CK
- No veo parecido alguno.I don't see any resemblance.This sentence is useful for showing how to use alguno to express a lack of resemblance.Tatoeba #5941803 by albrusgher, translation #5640431 by CK
- ¿Tiene algunos más grandes?Do you have any more big ones?This sentence is useful for showing how to use algunos (the masculine plural form of alguno) in a question.Tatoeba #2062043 by lazarus1907, translation #619689 by ulyssemc1
- ¿Necesita algún documento adicional?Do you need any additional documents?
- Puede contactar a alguna de nuestras representantes.You can contact any of our representatives.
- ¿Tienes algún plan para el fin de semana?Do you have any plans for the weekend?
- ¿Conoces a alguna persona interesada en el proyecto?Do you know anyone interested in the project?
- Puedes escoger cualquier asiento que esté libre.You can choose any available seat.
- No tengo ninguna pregunta.I don't have any questions.
- No hay ningún problema con eso.There isn't any problem with that.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking for a specific tool in the garage.
- Javier¿Encontraste alguno de los martillos?Did you find any of the hammers?
- SofíaNo, no encuentro alguno que funcione.No, I can't find any that work.
- JavierMira en esa caja, quizás haya alguno.Look in that box, maybe there is one.
- SofíaTienes razón, aquí hay alguno.You're right, here is one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “any” translations and entries alguno, ninguno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alguno, ninguno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
