alguno
/ahl-GOO-noh/
some
Visualizing 'alguno' meaning 'some' (unspecified quantity): The image shows some apples on the field.
alguno(Adjective)
some
?unspecified quantity or individual
,any
?in questions or negative statements
a few
?a small, unspecified number
📝 In Action
Necesito algún consejo para mi viaje.
A1I need some advice for my trip.
¿Hay alguna farmacia abierta cerca de aquí?
A1Is there any pharmacy open near here?
Algunas personas no vinieron a la reunión.
A2Some people didn't come to the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number Match
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'alguno' must match the noun it describes: 'alguna cosa' (feminine), 'algunos libros' (plural).
The Shortening Rule (Apócope)
When used directly before a singular masculine noun, 'alguno' must shorten to 'algún'. Example: 'Algún día' (Some day). You cannot say 'alguno día'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Short Form
Mistake: "Quiero alguno libro interesante."
Correction: Quiero **algún** libro interesante. (When it's right next to the singular masculine noun, it must shorten.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Alguno' in the Negative
While often meaning 'some' or 'any,' 'alguno' can also mean 'not any' when placed after a negative verb, though 'ninguno' is usually clearer. Example: 'No tenemos libro alguno.'
Visualizing 'alguno' meaning 'someone' (unspecified person): The image depicts someone standing alone.
alguno(Pronoun)
someone
?unspecified person
,some (of them)
?a portion of a known group
any (of them)
?in questions
📝 In Action
Si ves a mis amigos, ¿vino alguno?
A2If you saw my friends, did any (of them) come?
Algunas son más difíciles que otras.
A2Some (of them) are more difficult than others.
Yo no conozco a ninguno, pero mi hermana conoce a alguno.
B1I don't know anyone, but my sister knows someone.
💡 Grammar Points
Standing Alone
As a pronoun, 'alguno' replaces the noun and stands alone. Crucially, when standing alone, the full form 'alguno' is used, even for singular masculine references.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronoun vs. Adjective
If the word is immediately followed by the noun, it is an adjective (e.g., 'algún amigo'). If it replaces the noun entirely, it is a pronoun (e.g., 'Alguno vino').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: alguno
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the short form of 'alguno'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'alguno' and 'ninguno'?
'Alguno' refers to a positive, unspecified quantity ('some' or 'any'). 'Ninguno' is its direct opposite and means a negative, unspecified quantity ('none' or 'not any'). They both follow the same rule about shortening to 'algún' and 'ningún' before masculine singular nouns.
How do I know whether to use 'alguno' or 'algún'?
You only use 'algún' when the word that comes immediately after it is a single, masculine noun (e.g., 'algún coche'). In all other situations (feminine nouns, plural nouns, or when the word stands alone as a pronoun), you use the full form: 'alguna', 'algunos', 'algunas', or 'alguno'.