cosas
/ˈkosas/
In Spanish, the phrase for stuff is cosas.
The word cosas is used to refer to miscellaneous items, much like the English word 'stuff'.
Meaning: miscellaneous items, things (noun)
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'stuff', which is an uncountable noun, the Spanish cosas is a countable noun and is almost always used in its plural form when referring to miscellaneous items.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is cosa, while the plural form is cosas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkosas/
Did you know?
- If you want to refer to 'stuff' in a very informal, slang way in Mexico, you might hear the word madres, though it can be considered vulgar depending on context.
- In Spanish, the phrase la cosa is often used as a euphemism to avoid naming something taboo, embarrassing or secret, similar to saying 'the thing' in English.
- In many Latin American countries, the word cachivaches refers to various pieces of 'stuff' or knick-knacks, often implying they are somewhat disorganized.
Examples in context
- Tom ojeó sus cosas.Tom looked through his stuff.Tatoeba #5689109 by arh, translation #3123197 by CK
- A veces robo cosas.I sometimes steal stuff.Tatoeba #7256724 by arh, translation #5850540 by CK
- No toques mis cosas.Don't touch my stuff.Tatoeba #3250884 by marcelostockle, translation #1860402 by CK
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are cleaning their shared apartment.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes recoger tus cosas?Lucía, can you pick up your stuff?
- LucíaSí, Javier, ahora mismo lo hago.Yes, Javier, I will do it right now.
- JavierGracias, la mesa está muy llena.Thanks, the table is very full.
- LucíaPerdón, es que tengo muchas cosas.Sorry, it's just that I have a lot of stuff.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cosas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
