unos
/oo-nohs/
some
Visualizing 'unos' as 'some' new masculine items, represented here by a few distinct shoes.
📝 In Action
Tengo unos libros interesantes.
A1I have some interesting books.
Necesitamos unos voluntarios para el evento.
A2We need some volunteers for the event.
Compré unos zapatos nuevos.
A1I bought some new shoes.
💡 Grammar Points
The Plural of 'a/an'
Think of 'unos' as the plural version of 'un' (a/an). In English, we say 'a book' but just 'books' for plural. Spanish adds 'unos' to show you're talking about an unspecified number of masculine things.
Always Match the Noun
Since 'unos' is masculine and plural, it must go with nouns that are also masculine and plural. For example, 'unos chicos' (some boys) or 'unos problemas' (some problems). For feminine nouns, you'd use its partner, 'unas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Leaving It Out
Mistake: "En la mesa hay platos."
Correction: En la mesa hay unos platos. (There are some plates on the table.) While the first sentence isn't technically wrong, adding 'unos' sounds much more natural to a native speaker when you're not talking about specific plates.
⭐ Usage Tips
Think 'An Unspecified Amount'
Use 'unos' when you can't or don't want to give an exact number. It's the perfect word for when you're pointing out the existence of something without counting it.
Depicting 'unos' used as a pronoun, representing one unspecified group in a comparison against another group.
unos(Pronoun)
📝 In Action
¿Necesitas rotuladores? Tengo unos en mi estuche.
A2Do you need markers? I have some in my pencil case.
Unos dicen que es fácil, otros dicen que es difícil.
B1Some say it's easy, others say it's difficult.
De todos los coches, me gustan unos más que otros.
B1Of all the cars, I like some more than others.
💡 Grammar Points
Stands In for a Noun
When 'unos' is used by itself, it's doing the job of a noun you just mentioned. This helps you avoid repeating the same word over and over. For example: '¿Viste los pájaros? Sí, vi unos.' (Did you see the birds? Yes, I saw some.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Unos' and 'Algunos'
Mistake: "Thinking there's a huge difference between 'unos' and 'algunos' when used as pronouns."
Correction: In most everyday situations, 'unos' and 'algunos' mean 'some' and can be used interchangeably. 'Algunos' can sometimes feel slightly more specific, but it's a very subtle difference. Don't stress about it!
⭐ Usage Tips
Look for 'Unos... Otros...'
A very common and useful pattern is 'unos... otros...' which directly translates to 'some... others...'. It's a great way to compare two different groups or opinions.
Showing 'unos' used adverbially to mean 'about' or 'around' a quantity, visualized by the soft halo around the group of objects.
unos(Adverb)
📝 In Action
El viaje dura unos veinte minutos.
A2The trip takes about twenty minutes.
La sala tiene espacio para unas cien personas.
B1The room has space for approximately one hundred people.
Creo que pesa unos cinco kilos.
A2I think it weighs around five kilos.
💡 Grammar Points
Making a Guess
When you put 'unos' (or 'unas') right before a number, it changes its meaning to 'about' or 'approximately'. It's a super easy way to show that you're estimating, not giving an exact figure.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting to Match the Noun
Mistake: "Hay unos cien sillas en la sala."
Correction: Hay unas cien sillas en la sala. Even when used for approximation, 'unos/unas' still has to agree with the noun it's connected to. Since 'sillas' (chairs) is feminine, you need to use 'unas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound More Natural
Native speakers use this all the time. Instead of trying to remember an exact number, using 'unos' makes your Spanish sound more relaxed and conversational. Try it with age, time, or prices!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: unos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'unos' to mean 'approximately' or 'about'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'unos' and 'algunos'?
For most learners, they are practically the same and can be swapped without changing the meaning. Both mean 'some'. If you want to get very specific, 'algunos' can sometimes suggest 'some out of a larger group', while 'unos' is a more general 'a few'. But honestly, you can use either one in most situations and you'll be perfectly understood.
Why do I use 'unos' before a number instead of just the number?
You use 'unos' before a number to show that you're not sure of the exact amount. It's a simple way to turn a precise number like 'diez' (ten) into an estimate like 'unos diez' (about ten). It makes you sound more natural and less like a robot!