algún
/al-GOON/
📝 In Action
Necesito algún libro para leer.
A1I need some book to read.
¿Hay algún problema?
A1Is there any problem?
Algún día entenderás.
A2Some day you will understand.
Si tienes algún síntoma, llama al doctor.
B1If you have any symptoms, call the doctor.
💡 Grammar Points
The Short Form of 'Alguno'
'Algún' is the special, shortened form of the word 'alguno'. You must use this short form whenever it comes directly before a masculine noun (a word for one male person or thing), like 'algún chico' or 'algún coche'.
A Member of a Family
'Algún' is just one member of a family. For feminine nouns use 'alguna' (alguna casa), for masculine plural use 'algunos' (algunos libros), and for feminine plural use 'algunas' (algunas mesas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Alguno' Before a Noun
Mistake: "Tengo alguno libro en mi mochila."
Correction: Tengo algún libro en mi mochila. When the word comes right before a masculine noun like 'libro', you have to drop the final '-o' and use 'algún'. It's a required change that makes your Spanish sound natural.
Mixing Up 'Algún' and 'Ningún'
Mistake: "No tengo algún problema."
Correction: No tengo ningún problema. To say you have 'not any' or 'no' problems, you need to use the opposite word, 'ningún'.
⭐ Usage Tips
How to Ask 'Any?'
In English, we ask 'Do you have any questions?'. A very common and natural way to say this in Spanish is with this word family: '¿Tienes alguna pregunta?'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: algún
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly asks for 'some pen'? ('bolígrafo' is a masculine noun)
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'algún' and 'alguno'?
'Algún' is the short version you must use right before a masculine singular noun (e.g., 'algún libro'). 'Alguno' is used when it's not directly followed by that noun. For example, it can stand alone: '¿Necesitas un libro? Sí, necesito alguno.' (Yes, I need one.)
Why does 'alguno' lose the '-o' to become 'algún'?
It's a rhythm and flow thing in Spanish. Certain words shorten like this before a masculine noun to make sentences sound smoother. Think of it like 'a' versus 'an' in English – we change the word to make it sound better before the next word. It's a rule you just have to remember: before a masculine noun, 'alguno' becomes 'algún'.
Can I use 'algún' for feminine words?
No, 'algún' is only for masculine singular nouns. For feminine singular nouns, you must use 'alguna'. For example, 'alguna idea' (some idea) or '¿Tienes alguna pregunta?' (Do you have any questions?).