algunos
/alˈɡunos/
The English phrase "some" is translated into Spanish as algunos.
algunos is used to refer to certain, unspecified or unknown quantities. It can be used in a general sense to mean "some," or to mean "some of" when referring to a specific group.
Meaning: certain, unspecified or unknown (det)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to algunas when referring to feminine nouns. The masculine singular form alguno shortens to algún when placed immediately before a masculine singular noun. The feminine singular form is alguna.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈɡunos/
Did you know?
- In certain regional dialects, using algunos to mean 'some' can be replaced by unos to sound much more natural in casual conversation.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying algún día 'some day' is often viewed as a polite way to avoid committing to a specific date or plan.
- The shortened form algún is an example of apocope, a process where a word is clipped for phonetic flow before a noun.
Examples in context
- Tom vio algunos osos.Tom saw some bears.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use algunos with a plural noun.Tatoeba #9973200 by manufrutos, translation #8416554 by CK
- Algunos están en contra.Some are against it.This sentence shows algunos being used as a pronoun.Tatoeba #10273750 by Seael, translation #10273741 by sundown
- Algunos vecinos no pagan.Some of the residents aren't paying.This sentence demonstrates how to use algunos to refer to a specific group of residents.Tatoeba #7786920 by arh, translation #10064030 by sundown
- Tengo algunos libros interesantes.I have some interesting books.
- Algunas personas no lo saben.Some people don't know it.
- Voy a comprar unos regalos.I'm going to buy some gifts.
- Necesito unas flores para la ocasión.I need some flowers for the occasion.
- Quiero algo de helado.I want some ice cream.
- Hay varios libros en la mesa.There are some books on the table.
- Necesitamos varias plumas para la clase.We need some pens for class.
- 518 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in a kitchen discussing grocery shopping.
- Javier¿Necesitas algunos ingredientes para la cena?Do you need some ingredients for dinner?
- ElenaSí, faltan algunos vegetales en la nevera.Yes, some vegetables are missing from the fridge.
- JavierYo compraré algunos en el mercado.I will buy some at the market.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, eres muy amable.Thank you, Javier, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry algunos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
