¿Tienes alguno?
The English phrase "do you have any?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Tienes alguno?
This phrase is used to ask if someone possesses at least one of a specific item. If you want to ask 'Do you have any [uncountable substance]?', you should use the construction ¿Tienes algo de…?
Which one should you use?
The phrase ¿Tienes alguno? specifically asks for at least one of a specific item, rather than asking if someone has "some" in a general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes based on the gender and number of the items you are referring to. Use ¿Tienes alguno? for masculine nouns, ¿Tienes alguna? for feminine nouns and ¿Tienes algunas? when referring to multiple feminine items.
Did you know?
- The word alguno is a linguistic hybrid, combining the Latin 'alĭquis' meaning 'someone' with 'unus' meaning 'one'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people avoid starting a question with ¿Tienes…? and instead use ¿Tienes tú…? or ¿Tendrá…? to adjust the level of politeness or social distance.
- While alguno is used for 'any' in a question, placing it at the end of a sentence often transforms the meaning to 'some' or 'one of them'.
Examples in context
- ¿Tiene usted algún libro sobre historia?Do you have any books about history?
- ¿Tienes alguna idea para nuestra fiesta de cumpleaños?Do you have any ideas for our birthday party?
- ¿Tienes alguno?Do you have any?
- Busco un libro de este tipo, ¿tienes alguno?I am looking for a book of this type, do you have any?
- Necesito un bolígrafo azul, ¿tienes alguno?I need a blue pen, do you have any?
Example conversation
María is looking for a spare umbrella at home.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿tienes alguno?Daniel, do you have any?
- DanielSí, tengo uno en el armario.Yes, I have one in the closet.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿Me lo prestas?Great! Can you lend it to me?
- DanielClaro, toma el mío.Sure, take mine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alguno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
