cualquier cosa
/kwalkjeɾ kosa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "anything" is translated into Spanish as cualquier cosa.
cualquier cosa is used to refer to any thing of any kind. Depending on the context, however, it can also be used to mean "nonsense" or "rubbish," such as in the phrase Dice cualquier cosa which means "He is talking nonsense."
Meaning: any thing of any kind (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cualquier (any/whichever) and cosa (thing).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this construction, the word cualquier is the singular form used before a noun and it does not change to match the gender of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- While cualquier cosa means 'anything', using the word cualquiera by itself can actually be an insult, implying someone is 'just anyone' or 'unimportant'.
- The word cosa actually shares a common ancestor with the English word 'case', as both derive from the Latin 'causa'.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase cualquier cosa as a shorthand way to say 'let me know if you need anything' at the end of a conversation.
Examples in context
- Haría casi cualquier cosa.I'd do almost anything.This sentence is useful for expressing a willingness to do almost anything.Tatoeba #2828786 by marcelostockle, translation #2546737 by CK
- Puedo comer cualquier cosa.I can eat anything.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to eat anything.Tatoeba #1966653 by hayastan, translation #1782754 by Amastan
- Puedo hacer cualquier cosa.I can do anything.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to do anything.Tatoeba #2300813 by marcelostockle, translation #2300655 by CK
- Vos hablásYou speak
- Vos sos hermoso/aYou are beautiful
- Disculpe, ¿dónde se encuentra la estación de tren?Excuse me, where is the train station?
- Oye, ¿dónde está la estación de tren?Hey, where's the train station?
- ¡Buena suerte!Good luck!
- 146 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are deciding what to buy for a gift.
- ElenaDime si necesitas cualquier cosa para el regalo.Tell me if you need anything for the gift.
- JavierNo estoy seguro de qué comprar.I'm not sure what to buy.
- ElenaCualquier cosa pequeña estará bien.Anything small will be fine.
- JavierDe acuerdo, buscaré algo sencillo.All right, I will look for something simple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anything” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cosa, cualquier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
