Inklingo

How to Say "item" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “item” is “artículo” — use 'artículo' when referring to a specific product or item that is for sale, often in a store or catalog..

English → Spanish

artículo

nounA1general
Use 'artículo' when referring to a specific product or item that is for sale, often in a store or catalog.

Examples

Este artículo está en liquidación.

This item is on clearance.

cosa

/KOH-sah//ˈkosa/

nounA1informal
Use 'cosa' as a very general term for any object or 'thing' when its specific nature is unknown or unimportant.
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-toh/oˈβxeto/

nounA1general
Use 'objeto' to refer to a distinct physical object or item, especially one that has been found or is being observed.
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-DAHD/u.niˈðað/

nounA1general
Use 'unidad' when referring to a single, countable piece or unit of something, especially when quantities are involved.
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).

partida

par-TEE-dah/paɾˈtiða/

nounC1formal
Use 'partida' specifically when talking about an item or allocation within a budget or list.
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 Items

Learners often confuse 'cosa' (thing) with more specific terms like 'artículo' (product for sale) or 'objeto' (physical object). While 'cosa' is versatile, using it for every 'item' can sound imprecise. Stick to 'artículo' for sale items and 'objeto' for distinct physical things to sound more natural.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.