Spanish translates “some” in several ways depending on whether it means an unspecified number, an amount, or the pronoun “some of them.” Common forms include algunos/algunas and algo de.
some in Spanish = algunos, algunas, algo de, or unos/unas, pronounced approximately ahl-GOO-nohs / ahl-GOO-nahs / AHL-goh deh / OO-nohs.
How Do You Say some in Spanish?
Use algunos or algunas with plural countable nouns, matching grammatical gender. Use algo de with an uncountable amount, and unos/unas when you mean “a few” or “some.”
Meaning: some; a few; an unspecified amount
Say algunos libros for “some books” and algo de agua for “some water.” In a negative or conditional sentence, Spanish often uses ningún or ninguna instead of an affirmative some-form.
Different Ways to Express some
The noun type and sentence polarity determine which Spanish expression sounds natural. To contrast an unspecified part with the whole group, compare all in Spanish.
1. Algunos — some masculine plural items
algunos libros — some books. Use algunos before a masculine plural noun or as a pronoun referring to masculine or mixed-gender items.
2. Algunas — some feminine plural items
algunas manzanas — some apples. Use algunas with feminine plural nouns. The ending agrees with the noun, not with the speaker.
3. Algo de — some amount of
algo de agua — some water. Use algo de with an uncountable substance or abstract quantity, such as water, time, or patience.
4. Unos / unas — a few; some
unos amigos; unas ideas — a few friends; some ideas. These forms often mean a few or an indefinite set. They agree with the following noun in gender and number.
some in Spanish: Quick Comparison
Use this comparison to choose the form that best fits your sentence. Pay attention to whether you are counting, describing a quality, or referring to a particular situation.
| Spanish | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| algunos libros | some books | Plural countable nouns |
| algunas manzanas | some apples | Feminine plural nouns |
| algo de agua | some water | Uncountable amounts |
| unos amigos; unas ideas | a few friends; some ideas | Approximate or indefinite sets |
How to Pronounce algunos, algunas, algo de, or unos/unas
Algunos is ahl-GOO-nohs, algunas ahl-GOO-nahs, and algo AHL-goh. In most of Spain, z in unos is not present; the final s is pronounced clearly throughout.
Example Sentences Using some
Read each example aloud and notice how the surrounding words give the phrase its exact meaning. The English translation is natural rather than a strict word-for-word rendering.
Meaning: I bought some books.
Use: Algunos agrees with masculine plural libros.
Meaning: There is some milk left.
Use: Algo de describes an amount of an uncountable noun.
Meaning: A few friends came.
Use: Unas agrees with feminine plural amigas.
Frequently Asked Questions About some in Spanish
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say “some” in Spanish?
Common translations include algunos/algunas, algo de, and unos/unas, depending on the noun and meaning.
What is the difference between <em>algunos</em> and <em>algunas</em>?
Algunos is masculine plural; algunas is feminine plural.
How do you say “some water”?
Say algo de agua.
When does <em>unos</em> mean “a few”?
It often means “a few” or an indefinite set before a masculine plural noun; unas is the feminine form.
Can Spanish omit “some”?
Yes. Spanish often leaves the determiner out when context already makes the quantity clear.
Summary: some in Spanish
Use algunos/algunas with countable plural nouns, algo de for an amount, and unos/unas for a few or an indefinite set. Match gender and number to the noun.
