cosas
/ˈkosas/
The English phrase "things" is translated into Spanish as cosas.
cosas is used to refer to physical objects or items in general. Similar to English, the phrase las cosas can also be used to refer to abstract matters, circumstances or a general state of affairs.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is cosa. Because cosa is a feminine noun, the definite article must be the feminine plural las when specifying "the things" (las cosas).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkosas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word cosa is often replaced by the slang term vaina in informal speech, particularly in the Caribbean. For example, instead of saying 'esa cosa', one might say 'esa vaina'.
- In some Latin American dialects, calling someone cosa or cosita can be an affectionate diminutive, turning a word for a lifeless object into a term of endearment.
- The phrase cosa juzgada is a legal term used in Spanish-speaking courts to mean 'res judicata', referring to a matter that has been finally decided by a judge.
Examples in context
- Dudo de esas cosas.I doubt those things.This sentence is useful for showing how to express doubt regarding specific cosas.Tatoeba #2911707 by hayastan, translation #5109642 by argentum
- Las cosas van bien.Things are fine.This sentence demonstrates how to use cosas to describe a state of affairs.Tatoeba #6600564 by arh, translation #2253695 by CK
- Tom nos tiró cosas.Tom threw things at us.This sentence shows how to use cosas when referring to physical objects being thrown.Tatoeba #9980819 by manufrutos, translation #9980741 by CK
- 963 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are tidying up the living room.
- Alejandro¿Puedes recoger tus cosas, Sofía?Can you pick up your things, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, ya guardo todas estas cosas.Yes, I am putting all these things away now.
- AlejandroGracias, hay demasiadas cosas en la mesa.Thanks, there are too many things on the table.
- SofíaLo siento, las cosas se acumularon rápido.I am sorry, things piled up quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cosas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
