algunos
/al-GOO-nohs/
some
As an adjective, 'algunos' describes a masculine plural noun, meaning 'some' or 'a few,' referring to an indefinite quantity, like some apples.
algunos(Adjective)
some
?referring to an indefinite quantity
,a few
?referring to a small number
several
?implying more than two but not many
,any
?used in questions, e.g., '¿Tienes algunos lápices?'
📝 In Action
Tengo algunos libros sobre la mesa.
A1I have some books on the table.
Necesito algunos minutos para terminar.
A2I need a few minutes to finish.
Algunos días son más difíciles que otros.
B1Some days are more difficult than others.
💡 Grammar Points
Matches the Noun
As an adjective, 'algunos' describes a noun and must match it. Use 'algunos' for masculine, plural things, like 'algunos chicos' (some boys).
The 'Alguno' Family
This word changes for gender and number: 'alguno/s' for masculine and 'alguna/s' for feminine. For example, 'algunas chicas' (some girls).
The 'Algún' Rule
Be careful! Before a singular masculine noun, 'alguno' shortens to 'algún'. For example, 'algún día' (some day), not 'alguno día'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "Compré algunos manzanas."
Correction: Compré algunas manzanas. 'Manzana' is a feminine word, so you need to use the feminine form 'algunas'.
Mixing up with 'Unos'
Mistake: "Vi algunos pájaros en el cielo."
Correction: Vi unos pájaros en el cielo. While 'algunos' isn't strictly wrong, 'unos' is more common for simply saying 'some' birds. 'Algunos' often implies 'some of the birds' from a group.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Indefinite Amounts
Use 'algunos' when you're talking about a quantity that isn't specific. You don't know or don't need to say the exact number.
As a pronoun, 'algunos' replaces a masculine plural noun or refers to 'some people,' meaning 'some' or 'a few of them' from a larger group.
algunos(Pronoun)
some
?standing in for a noun, e.g., 'I have some.'
,some people
?referring to an unspecified group of people
a few of them
?referring to a small number of a previously mentioned group
📝 In Action
¿Necesitas bolígrafos? Toma, aquí tienes algunos.
A2Do you need pens? Here, you can have some.
Algunos prefieren el verano, pero yo prefiero el invierno.
A2Some (people) prefer summer, but I prefer winter.
De todos mis amigos, solo algunos viven en mi ciudad.
B1Of all my friends, only a few of them live in my city.
💡 Grammar Points
Stands Alone
As a pronoun, 'algunos' doesn't describe a noun right next to it. It takes the place of a noun that is already understood from the conversation.
Refers to People or Things
This word can replace masculine plural nouns (like 'libros') or refer to a group of people ('algunos de mis amigos').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Adjective and Pronoun
Mistake: "Algunos de libros son interesantes."
Correction: Algunos de los libros son interesantes. When you use 'de' (of), you almost always need 'los' or 'mis', etc. The simpler way is using it as an adjective: 'Algunos libros son interesantes'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Avoid Repetition
Use 'algunos' as a pronoun to make your Spanish sound more natural and less repetitive. Instead of '...y compré lápices,' you can say '...y compré algunos' if everyone knows you're talking about pencils.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: algunos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses a word from the 'alguno' family? 'Chica' (girl) is a singular, feminine noun.
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'algunos' and 'unos'?
They are very close and often can be used for each other to mean 'some'. The slight difference is that 'unos' is a more general, neutral 'some' (like the plural of 'a/an'). 'Algunos' can sometimes feel more specific, like 'some out of a larger group'. For a beginner, you can use them almost interchangeably without causing confusion.
Why does 'alguno' sometimes change to 'algún'?
It's a special pronunciation rule in Spanish. When 'alguno' comes directly before a singular masculine noun (like 'día' or 'problema'), it shortens to 'algún' to make it flow better. So, it's 'algún día' (some day), not 'alguno día'.
Is 'ningunos' the opposite of 'algunos'?
Yes, but be careful! 'Ningunos' (and 'ningunas') is very rare in Spanish. To say 'I don't have any books', you would say 'No tengo ningún libro' (using the singular form), not 'No tengo ningunos libros'. In Spanish, 'not any' is usually expressed in the singular.