How to Say "object" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “object” is “cosa” — use 'cosa' when referring to a general, often unspecified, physical item or thing in an informal context. It's a very common, all-purpose word for 'thing'..
cosa
/KOH-sah//ˈkosa/
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/
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.
Cosa vs. Objeto
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