unos
“unos” means “some” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
some
Also: a few
📝 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.
some
Also: some people, some ones
📝 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.
about
Also: approximately, around
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: unos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'unos' to mean 'approximately' or 'about'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'ūnus', which means 'one'. The plural form in Spanish evolved to mean not just 'ones', but an indefinite group of 'ones', giving us the modern meaning of 'some' or 'a few'.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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!