cualquiera
/kwal-KYEH-rah/
any
As an adjective, cualquier (or cualquiera) means 'any' or 'whichever,' implying the choice doesn't matter.
cualquiera(Adjective)
any
?Used to mean 'it doesn't matter which one'
whichever
?Expressing a free choice
,just any
?Implying something is ordinary or not special
📝 In Action
Puedes elegir cualquier color.
A2You can choose any color.
Llámame a cualquier hora.
A2Call me at any time.
No es un día cualquiera, es mi cumpleaños.
B1It's not just any day, it's my birthday.
Un libro cualquiera no me serviría; necesito uno específico.
B1Just any book wouldn't work for me; I need a specific one.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'cualquier' vs. 'cualquiera' Rule
This is a big one! When you put this word before the thing you're talking about (a noun), it shortens to 'cualquier'. This happens for both masculine and feminine nouns. If it comes after the noun, or stands by itself, you use the full form 'cualquiera'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting to Shorten It
Mistake: "Dame una manzana cualquiera."
Correction: This is okay, but sounds more natural as: 'Dame cualquier manzana.' (Give me any apple). The most common mistake is saying 'cualquiera día' instead of 'cualquier día'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasis with Position
Putting 'cualquiera' after the noun can add a little emphasis, suggesting something is ordinary or run-of-the-mill. Compare 'un coche cualquiera' (just any old car) with 'cualquier coche' (any car).
Used as a pronoun, cualquiera means 'anyone' or 'anybody,' referring to an unspecified person.
cualquiera(Pronoun)
anyone
?Referring to any person in general
,anybody
?Similar to 'anyone'
whoever
?The person who...
,either one
?When choosing between two options
📝 In Action
Cualquiera puede aprender español.
B1Anyone can learn Spanish.
Pregúntale a cualquiera, todos lo saben.
B1Ask anybody, everyone knows it.
Cualquiera de los dos vestidos te queda bien.
B1Either one of the two dresses looks good on you.
Cualquiera que termine primero, gana un premio.
B2Whoever finishes first wins a prize.
💡 Grammar Points
Using with 'que'
When you use 'cualquiera que...' to talk about a hypothetical or unknown person, the next verb often takes a special 'subjunctive' form. For example, 'Cualquiera que pueda ayudar...' (Anyone who might be able to help...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'alguien' instead
Mistake: "'Alguien' means 'someone' (a specific, but unnamed person). 'Cualquiera' means 'anyone' (it doesn't matter who)."
Correction: Use 'Alguien llamó' (Someone called). Use 'Cualquiera puede llamar' (Anyone can call).
⭐ Usage Tips
Singular Only
Even when you mean 'anybody' in a plural sense, you almost always use the singular form 'cualquiera'. The plural 'cualesquiera' is very rare and formal.
In informal contexts, un cualquiera refers to 'a nobody' or someone unremarkable and unimportant.
cualquiera(Noun)
a nobody
?A person of no importance; pejorative
an average Joe
?An ordinary, unremarkable person
,a hack
?Someone mediocre in their profession
📝 In Action
Él se cree un experto, pero es un cualquiera.
B2He thinks he's an expert, but he's a nobody.
No voy a dejar que un cualquiera me diga qué hacer.
B2I'm not going to let some random person tell me what to do.
Ella no es una cualquiera; es una profesional respetada.
C1She's not just anyone; she is a respected professional.
⭐ Usage Tips
Watch the Tone
This usage is dismissive and can be insulting. It's often preceded by 'un' or 'una'. The meaning comes entirely from the context and tone of voice.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cualquiera
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cualquier' and 'cualquiera'?
It's all about placement! Use the short form 'cualquier' when it's directly in front of the thing you're describing (e.g., 'cualquier libro' - any book). Use the full form 'cualquiera' when it comes after the noun ('un libro cualquiera') or stands on its own as a pronoun ('Cualquiera puede hacerlo' - Anyone can do it).
Is there a plural form, like 'cualquieras'?
Yes, but it's very rare in modern Spanish. The formal plural is 'cualesquiera'. You might see it in old texts or very formal writing, but in everyday conversation, people almost always use the singular form 'cualquiera' even when the meaning is plural.
Can 'cualquiera' be negative or insulting?
Yes, it can. If you call someone 'un cualquiera' or 'una cualquiera', you're being dismissive and saying they are a 'nobody' or a person of no importance. The tone and context are key to understanding this meaning.