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How to Say "matters" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “matters” is “asuntos” — use 'asuntos' when referring to topics, issues, or business that need to be discussed or dealt with, often in a more formal or professional context..

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asuntos

/a-SOON-tos//aˈsuntos/

nounA1general
Use 'asuntos' when referring to topics, issues, or business that need to be discussed or dealt with, often in a more formal or professional context.
A storybook illustration showing two individuals sitting across a table, seriously discussing a stack of papers, symbolizing important matters.

Examples

Necesito hablar contigo sobre unos asuntos importantes.

I need to talk to you about some important matters.

¿Cuáles son los asuntos en la agenda de hoy?

What are the issues on today's agenda?

Always Masculine Plural

Even though 'asuntos' ends in '-os', remember that the word itself is masculine, so any adjectives or determiners (like 'los' or 'esos') must also be masculine plural.

cosas

/KO-sas//ˈko.sas/

nounA1general
Use 'cosas' as a general, all-purpose word for 'things' or 'matters' when the specific nature is either unimportant or already understood from context.
A colorful collection of various everyday objects like a book, an apple, keys, and a toy car, representing the general idea of 'things'.

Examples

¿Qué son esas cosas en la mesa?

What are those things on the table?

Tengo muchas cosas que hacer hoy.

I have a lot of things to do today.

Guarda tus cosas en la mochila.

Put your things/stuff in the backpack.

Always Plural, Always Feminine

'Cosas' refers to more than one thing and is always treated as feminine. Remember to use 'las' or 'unas' with it, like in 'las cosas' (the things).

Singular Form: 'cosa'

When talking about just one thing, you use the singular form: 'una cosa' (one thing) or 'la cosa' (the thing).

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Me gustan los cosas que compraste.”

Correction: Me gustan las cosas que compraste. 'Cosa' is a feminine word, so even when it's plural ('cosas'), it stays feminine.

casos

KAH-sohs/ˈkasos/

nounA1general
Use 'casos' to refer to specific instances, situations, or examples, often implying a particular scenario or circumstance.
A colorful illustration segmented into three distinct panels, showing three different everyday situations: a person fishing by a pond, a child playing fetch with a dog, and a person reading a book indoors.

Examples

En la mayoría de los casos, el tren llega puntual.

In most cases (situations), the train arrives on time.

Hay pocos casos en que esto sea verdad.

There are few instances where this is true.

Masculine Plural

Since the singular word 'caso' is masculine (el caso), the plural 'casos' is also masculine. Use masculine articles and adjectives with it.

Confusing 'Casos' and 'Cosas'

Mistake: “Using 'cosas' (things/stuff) when you mean 'casos' (situations/instances).”

Correction: 'Casos' refers to abstract situations or events; 'cosas' refers to objects or tangible items. They are not interchangeable.

cuestiones

/kwes-TYOH-nes//kwesˈtjones/

nounA2general
Use 'cuestiones' for more complex topics, issues, or questions that require deliberation, debate, or resolution.
A group of colorful folders and papers spread across a wooden table, representing different topics.

Examples

Hay algunas cuestiones que debemos resolver hoy.

There are some matters we need to resolve today.

Es una de las cuestiones más importantes del proyecto.

It is one of the most important issues of the project.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', this word is feminine. Use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

Cuestiones vs. Preguntas

Mistake: “Using 'cuestiones' when you are literally asking for an answer.”

Correction: Use 'preguntas' for a question you ask a teacher; use 'cuestiones' for a topic or a matter being analyzed.

Asuntos vs. Cuestiones

Learners often confuse 'asuntos' and 'cuestiones'. Use 'asuntos' for general topics, business, or things to discuss, while 'cuestiones' implies more complex or debated issues that need resolving.

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