Inklingo

How to Say "item" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “item” is “artículo” — use this word when referring to a product or object that is for sale, like an item in a store.

artículoA1

Use this word when referring to a product or object that is for sale, like an item in a store.

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cosa🔊A1

Use this general term for any individual object or thing when the specific nature of the item is not important.

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objeto🔊A1

Use this word for a physical object, merchandise, or something you might collect.

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unidad🔊A1

Use this when referring to a single, countable unit of a product or item, often in a commercial or inventory context.

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apartado🔊B1

Use this to refer to a specific point, section, or item within a list, document, or text.

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númerosB1

Use this for a specific act or performance within a larger show or program, like a 'number' in a circus or musical.

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partida🔊C1

Use this specifically when referring to a line item or category within a budget or financial statement.

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English → Spanish

artículo

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to a product or object that is for sale, like an item in a store.

Examples

Este artículo está en liquidación.

This item is on clearance.

cosa

KOH-sahˈkosa

nounA1general
Use this general term for any individual object or thing when the specific nature of the item is not important.
A wooden table with a variety of different things on it: a red apple, a blue book, some keys, and a coffee mug.

Examples

¿Qué es esa cosa en la mesa?

What is that thing on the table?

Tengo muchas cosas que hacer hoy.

I have many things to do today.

Dame esa cosa, por favor.

Give me that thing, please.

Always Feminine

'Cosa' is always a feminine word. That means you'll always say 'la cosa' (the thing) or 'una cosa' (a thing), never 'el' or 'un'.

Overusing 'Cosa'

Mistake: “Using 'cosa' for everything when a more specific word exists.”

Correction: While 'cosa' is your best friend when you forget a word, try to learn specific nouns. For example, instead of 'Pásame esa cosa para escribir', say 'Pásame el bolígrafo' (Pass me the pen).

objeto

oh-BHEH-tohoˈβxeto

nounA1general
Use this word for a physical object, merchandise, or something you might collect.
A simple red cube block resting on a flat, plain surface.

Examples

Encontré un objeto extraño en el jardín.

I found a strange object in the garden.

Este objeto de cerámica es muy frágil.

This ceramic object is very fragile.

¿Puedes pasarme ese objeto que está sobre la mesa?

Can you pass me that thing that is on the table?

Gender Rule

Remember that 'objeto' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in -o (e.g., 'el objeto rojo').

Confusing Noun/Verb

Mistake: “Using 'objeto' (the noun) when you mean 'objetar' (to object).”

Correction: Use 'objetar' for the action of opposing something; 'objeto' is usually the physical thing.

unidad

oo-nee-DAHDu.niˈðað

nounA1general
Use this when referring to a single, countable unit of a product or item, often in a commercial or inventory context.
A solitary, smooth green cube sitting on a flat surface, representing a standard unit of measure.

Examples

Necesito diez unidades de este producto.

I need ten units of this product.

El metro es la unidad básica de longitud.

The meter is the basic unit of length.

Compré una unidad flash para guardar mis archivos.

I bought a flash drive (unit) to save my files.

Gender Trap: Words ending in -dad

Most Spanish nouns ending in -dad, like 'unidad,' are feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' before them.

Confusing Item and Time

Mistake: “No venden 'por tiempo', solo por 'unidad'.”

Correction: The correct phrase for selling individually is 'por unidad' (by the item).

apartado

ah-par-TAH-dohapaɾˈtaðo

nounB1formal
Use this to refer to a specific point, section, or item within a list, document, or text.
A highlighted chapter or portion of a large open book.

Examples

Debes leer el apartado segundo del contrato antes de firmar.

You must read the second section of the contract before signing.

En este apartado, explicamos los resultados del estudio.

In this section, we explain the results of the study.

Mira el apartado de 'notas adicionales' al final.

Look at the 'additional notes' section at the end.

Use for Numbers

Spanish uses this word for points in a list (1, 2, 3) where English might just say 'point' or 'item'.

Apartado vs. Párrafo

Mistake: “Using 'apartado' for a standard block of text in a story.”

Correction: Use 'párrafo' for normal writing and 'apartado' for specific numbered sections in formal papers.

números

nounB1general
Use this for a specific act or performance within a larger show or program, like a 'number' in a circus or musical.

Examples

Los números de magia fueron los más aplaudidos de la noche.

The magic acts were the most applauded of the evening.

partida

par-TEE-dahpaɾˈtiða

nounC1formal
Use this specifically when referring to a line item or category within a budget or financial statement.
A hand holding a quill pen ready to write in a large, open ledger book.

Examples

La partida presupuestaria para educación fue aumentada este año.

The budget allocation for education was increased this year.

Necesitas una copia de tu partida de nacimiento para el trámite.

You need a copy of your birth certificate for the procedure.

Formal Contexts

This meaning is almost exclusively used in financial, legal, or administrative paperwork. You won't hear it much in casual conversation.

General vs. Specific 'Item'

Learners often mistakenly use the very general 'cosa' for everything. Remember to use more specific terms like 'artículo' for sale items, 'apartado' for list items, or 'partida' for budget items when the context calls for it.

Related Translations

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