algo
/al-go/
Just like the contents of this box are unknown, 'algo' refers to an unspecified thing or 'something'.
algo (Pronoun)
📝 In Action
Quiero comer algo.
A1I want to eat something.
¿Viste algo raro?
A2Did you see anything strange?
Hay algo en mi ojo.
A1There is something in my eye.
Si necesitas algo, solo dímelo.
B1If you need anything, just tell me.
💡 Grammar Points
The Opposite of 'Nada'
'Algo' means 'something' and is the direct opposite of 'nada,' which means 'nothing.' If a question uses 'algo,' the negative answer often uses 'nada.'
Always Stays the Same
'Algo' is a special word that never changes. It doesn't become 'alga' or 'algos' to match other words. It's always just 'algo.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Algo' vs. 'Alguno'
Mistake: "Quiero algo libro."
Correction: Say 'Quiero algún libro' (I want some book) or 'Quiero algo para leer' (I want something to read). Use 'algo' for a general 'something,' but use 'algún/alguno' when you're talking about one of a specific type of thing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking 'Anything Else?'
In a store or restaurant, you'll often hear '¿Algo más?' which is the friendly, common way to ask 'Anything else?'
When used this way, 'algo' means 'a little' or 'somewhat,' just like this soup is a little bit spicy.
algo (Adverb)
📝 In Action
Estoy algo cansado hoy.
A2I'm a little tired today.
La película fue algo aburrida.
B1The movie was somewhat boring.
Llegó algo tarde a la reunión.
B1He arrived a bit late to the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
A Word to Soften Descriptions
Place 'algo' right before a describing word (like 'big,' 'tired,' or 'expensive') to mean 'a little' or 'kind of.' It makes your description less intense than using 'muy' (very).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Confuse with 'Something'
Mistake: "El café está algo."
Correction: Say 'El café está algo caliente' (The coffee is a little hot). When 'algo' comes before a describing word, it means 'a little.' By itself, it means 'something,' which doesn't make sense here.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding More Natural
Using 'algo' instead of 'un poco' before a describing word can make you sound more like a native speaker. 'Estoy algo preocupado' (I'm a bit worried) is very common and natural.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: algo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'algo' to mean 'somewhat' or 'a little'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'algo' and 'un poco'?
They are very similar when meaning 'a little.' You can often use them interchangeably, like 'estoy algo cansado' or 'estoy un poco cansado' (I'm a little tired). However, only 'algo' can mean 'something.' You can't say 'quiero un poco' to mean 'I want something.'
Can I say 'algo de' with a noun, like 'algo de agua'?
Yes, absolutely! 'Algo de' means 'some' or 'a bit of.' It's very common to say 'Quiero algo de agua' (I want some water) or 'Necesito algo de tiempo' (I need some time). It's a great way to talk about a non-specific amount of something.