Algo vs Nada
Algo = something. Nada = nothing. Remember the 'double negative' rule: No + verb + nada.
algo
Something, anything (in questions), a little
AHL-gohnada
Nothing, not anything
NAH-dahQuick Rule
Algo = something. Nada = nothing. Remember the 'double negative' rule: No + verb + nada.
Algo is for 'all good' (positive) sentences. Nada is for 'not-a-thing' (negative) sentences.
- When 'nada' starts the sentence, you don't need 'no'. Example: 'Nada es imposible' (Nothing is impossible).
Comparison Table
| Context | algo | nada | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answering a question | ¿Qué quieres? - Quiero algo. | ¿Qué quieres? - No quiero nada. | Use 'algo' for a positive, unspecified thing. Use 'no... nada' to say you want nothing. |
| Making a statement | Veo algo en la distancia. | No veo nada en la distancia. | 'Algo' affirms that you see something. 'No... nada' confirms that you see nothing. |
| As the subject | Algo huele bien. | Nada huele mal. | When the word starts the sentence, 'nada' creates the negative meaning by itself, without a 'no'. |
When to Use "algo / nada"
algo
Something, anything (in questions), a little
AHL-goh
To refer to an unspecified thing
Tengo algo para ti.
I have something for you.
To ask if 'anything' exists
¿Quieres algo de beber?
Do you want anything to drink?
To mean 'a little' or 'somewhat'
Estoy algo cansado.
I'm a little tired.
nada
Nothing, not anything
NAH-dah
To state the absence of things (with 'no')
No hay nada en la caja.
There is nothing in the box.
To say 'not anything'
No quiero nada, gracias.
I don't want anything, thanks.
As a standalone answer or sentence subject
¿Qué pasa? - Nada.
What's wrong? - Nothing.
Contrast Examples
With "algo":
Necesito algo.
I need something.
With "nada":
No necesito nada.
I don't need anything.
The Difference: 'Algo' points to a positive need, even if it's unspecified. 'Nada' (used with 'no') confirms the complete absence of a need.
With "algo":
Algo pasó anoche.
Something happened last night.
With "nada":
Nada pasó anoche.
Nothing happened last night.
The Difference: When 'nada' starts the sentence, it functions as the negative word, so you don't add 'no'. This is a key exception to the double negative rule.
Common Mistakes
Yo quiero nada.
No quiero nada.
This is the most common mistake. When 'nada' comes after the verb, Spanish requires a 'double negative'. You must add 'no' before the verb.
No veo algo.
No veo nada.
In a negative sentence, the idea of 'not... anything' is always expressed with 'no... nada', not 'no... algo'.
Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Algo vs Nada
Question 1 of 2
Completa la frase: 'No tengo ___ que hacer hoy.'
Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Spanish use 'no... nada'? Isn't that a double negative?
Yes, it is! While double negatives are incorrect in standard English, they are required in Spanish. If a negative word like 'nada' or 'nadie' comes after the verb, you must put 'no' before the verb. Think of it as 'canceling out' the verb's action.
Can I ever use 'algo' in a negative sentence?
It's extremely rare and usually sounds unnatural to a native speaker. For 'I don't have anything,' you should always say 'No tengo nada.' Saying 'No tengo algo' is grammatically confusing. The rule is simple: for negative statements, stick to 'no... nada'.