aliquid
[ˈa.lɪ.kʷɪd]
In Latin, something is said as aliquid.
aliquid is used to refer to an unspecified object or thing.
Meaning: unspecified object (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of aliquis (meaning some or any) and the -id suffix used for indefinite pronouns, literally translating to some-thing.
Which one should you use?
While aliquid refers to an unspecified thing, the related word aliquis refers to an unspecified person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form aliquid is the neuter singular nominative and accusative case. This is the standard form used when something is the subject or the direct object of a sentence.
Did you know?
- In Latin, referring to a person as aliquid instead of aliquis effectively treats that human as an inanimate object.
- The Romance languages did not keep aliquid: Italian qualcosa and French quelque chose were built from new words meaning 'some thing'.
Examples in context
- Aliquid sub lecto est.There's something under the bed.This example shows how to use aliquid to describe an object under a bed.Tatoeba #1444858 by alexmarcelo, translation #1444850 by Spamster
- Aliquid in oculo habeo.There is something in my eye.This example shows how to use aliquid to describe something in one's eye.Tatoeba #8475341 by alexmarcelo, translation #778197 by kenken
- Aliquid in forno habeo.I've got something in the oven.This example shows how to use aliquid to describe something in an oven.Tatoeba #8520562 by alexmarcelo, translation #2062955 by CK
- 122 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Julia are looking at a mysterious package on the table.
- QuintusVidesne aliquid in capsula?Do you see something in the box?
- JuliaNon video, sed audio aliquid.I don't see, but I hear something.
- QuintusFortasse aliquid vivi intus est.Perhaps something living is inside.
- JuliaAperi eam et videamus.Open it and let us see.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aliquid, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
