cosa
/ˈkosa/
The English word "thing" is translated into Spanish as cosa.
The word cosa is used to refer to an object or an entity that is not specifically named. Much like in English, it can refer to a physical object, an abstract concept or a particular situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
cosa is a feminine noun. Because of this, the indefinite article used with it is una (a thing) and the definite article is la (the thing). To express the plural "things", use cosas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkosa/
Did you know?
- While cosa is the standard term, if you are pointing at a piece of junk or a useless, old trinket, the more colorful word cachivache is often used instead.
- The word cosa is a doublet of the word causa, meaning 'cause'. While they sound different now, they both come from the same Latin root.
- In Spanish, cosa nuestra refers to a private matter or a secret shared by a specific group of people.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría indicarme cómo llegar a…?Could you tell me how to get to…?
- ¿Me puedes decir cómo llegar a…?Can you tell me how to get to…
- Tengo una cosa en mi mano.I have a thing in my hand.
- Esa cosa es muy pesada.That thing is very heavy.
- ¿Qué es esa cosa extraña?What is that strange thing?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are cleaning the living room.
- Elena¿Qué es esta cosa?What is this thing?
- DanielNo lo sé, Elena.I don't know, Elena.
- ElenaParece una cosa vieja.It looks like an old thing.
- DanielTírala a la basura, Daniel.Throw it in the trash, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cosa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
