algo
/ˈalɡo/
The Spanish phrase for 'somewhat' is algo. Wiktionary also lists un tanto.
Meaning: limited extent (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| algo | /ˈalɡo/ |
| un tanto | /un tanto/ (from spelling rules) |
algo is used as an adverb to indicate a limited extent. It is commonly placed directly before an adjective to modify its intensity, similar to 'a little' or 'somewhat'.
What does it mean word for word?
While algo literally means 'something', when it is used as an adverb, it functions as 'somewhat' or 'a bit'.
Which one should you use?
un tanto is a more formal or literary alternative to algo when expressing the sense of 'somewhat' or 'a certain amount'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb meaning 'somewhat', algo is invariable and does not change for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈalɡo/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, using algo before an adjective acts as a social 'buffer' to make a critique or a piece of bad news sound less aggressive.
- The word tanto in the phrase un tanto is a linguistic relative of the English word 'tantamount'.
- In Spanish, you can use the phrase un poco to mean 'somewhat', but unlike algo, it can be followed by the preposition 'de' to modify nouns.
Examples in context
- Tom estaba algo dudoso.Tom was somewhat doubtful.This sentence shows how to use algo to describe a state of doubt.Tatoeba #1278896 by marcelostockle, translation #1140935 by CK
- Eso se ve algo peligroso.That looks somewhat dangerous.This sentence demonstrates using algo to modify an adjective describing danger.Tatoeba #5854112 by arh, translation #3105174 by Theocracy
- Me encontraba algo inquieto.I was somewhat nervous.This sentence illustrates using algo to describe a feeling of nervousness.Tatoeba #7968537 by arh, translation #7967479 by CK
- El informe es algo complicado de entender.The report is somewhat complicated to understand.
- Me siento algo cansado hoy.I feel somewhat tired today.
- La película fue más o menos buena.The movie was somewhat good.
- Tengo más o menos unos cincuenta dólares en mi billetera.I have around fifty dollars in my wallet.
- Estoy medio cansado, pero puedo seguir.I'm kind of tired, but I can keep going.
- La película estuvo medio aburrida.The movie was kinda boring.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a new restaurant they visited.
- Elena¿Te gustó la cena, Mateo?Did you like the dinner, Mateo?
- MateoLa comida estaba algo salada.The food was somewhat salty.
- ElenaA mí me pareció buena.It seemed good to me.
- MateoSí, pero el servicio fue algo lento.Yes, but the service was somewhat slow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “somewhat” translations and entries algo, un tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, tanto, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
