algo
/ˈaw.ɡu/masculine
The English word "something" is translated into Portuguese as algo or alguma coisa.
Meaning: unspecified object (pron)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| algo | /ˈaw.ɡu/ (Brazil) /ˈal.ɡu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| alguma coisa | /awˈɡũ.mɐ ˈkoj.zɐ/ (Brazil, word by word) | feminine |
Both forms are used to refer to an unspecified object or concept.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase alguma coisa is literally composed of alguma (some) and coisa (thing).
Which one should you use?
algo is more formal or literary than alguma coisa.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike algo, which is an invariable pronoun, alguma coisa is a noun phrase that can be modified by adjectives, such as alguma coisa boa (something good).
How do you pronounce it?
algo is pronounced as /ˈaw.ɡu/. The first of the two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The word for 'thing' in alguma coisa actually comes from the Latin word for 'cause', meaning that a 'thing' was originally seen as a 'reason' or 'cause' for something.
- The phrase alguma coisa can be used idiomatically to mean 'a little bit' when referring to quantity or intensity.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, coisa is often used as a filler word or a vague substitute for any object, similar to how 'thingy' or 'stuff' is used in English.
Examples in context
- Há algo lá fora.There's something out there.This sentence shows how to use algo to indicate an unspecified object's presence outside.Tatoeba #4615056 by carlosalberto, translation #1555401 by Spamster
- Tem algo a dizer?Do you have something to say?This sentence shows how to use algo to refer to something to be said.Tatoeba #1532864 by alexmarcelo, translation #500454 by darinmex
- Isso é algo novo.This is something new.This sentence shows how to use algo to describe something as being new.Tatoeba #2585508 by Ricardo14, translation #2064637 by CK
- 2026 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are in the kitchen during a meal.
- JulianaRodrigo, você quer algo para beber?Rodrigo, do you want something to drink?
- RodrigoSim, eu quero algo gelado.Yes, I want something cold.
- JulianaEu tenho suco na geladeira.I have juice in the fridge.
- RodrigoÓtimo, obrigado, Juliana.Great, thanks, Juliana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “something” translations and entries algo, alguma coisa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (alguma, coisa) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, alguma coisa, coisa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
