algo
/ˈalɡo/
The English word 'something' is translated into Spanish as algo. Wiktionary also lists alguna cosa.
Meaning: unspecified object (pron)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| algo | /ˈalɡo/ |
| alguna cosa | /alˌɡuna ˈkosa/ |
The word is used to refer to an unspecified object.
Which one should you use?
algo is a more concise and common way to say something compared to the more wordy alguna cosa.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In certain contexts, alguna cosa can sound slightly more formal or emphatic.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding 'de' after algo allows it to function as a quantifier meaning 'some' or 'a bit of', such as in 'algo de azúcar' (a bit of sugar).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈalɡo/
Did you know?
- While algo means 'something', the word cosa actually descends from the Latin word 'causa', which is where we get the English word 'cause'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, when someone says algo to mean 'something' in a vague way, it can often be a polite way to avoid being specific about a problem.
- The word algo can also be used as an adverb meaning 'somewhat', such as in es algo caro, which translates to 'it is somewhat expensive'.
Examples in context
- Algo no va bien.Something is not right.This sentence shows how to use algo to indicate that something is not right.Tatoeba #2008775 by Shishir, translation #1977547 by Spamster
- Tom me dio algo.Tom gave me something.This sentence uses algo to indicate that Tom gave the speaker something.Tatoeba #7843963 by Seael, translation #2547027 by CK
- Voy a darte algo.I'm going to give you something.This sentence uses algo to indicate an intention to give something.Tatoeba #2069375 by hayastan, translation #2064877 by CK
- Yo manejo un coche.I drive a car.
- 1990 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are in a kitchen.
- Lucía¿Quieres algo de beber, Daniel?Do you want something to drink, Daniel?
- DanielSí, gracias, Lucía.Yes, thanks, Lucía.
- LucíaTengo algo de jugo en la nevera.I have some juice in the fridge.
- DanielEso suena perfecto.That sounds perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “something” translations and entries algo, alguna cosa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, cosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
