Inklingo

How to Say "stuff" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stuff” is “cosa” — use 'cosa' as a general, all-purpose translation for 'stuff' when referring to an unspecified object or item..

cosa🔊A1

Use 'cosa' as a general, all-purpose translation for 'stuff' when referring to an unspecified object or item.

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material🔊A1

Use 'material' as an informal collective noun for belongings or supplies, especially when talking about things needed for a specific purpose like school or work.

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madres🔊B2

Use 'madres' (in Mexico) as a colloquial and somewhat informal term for generic objects or things, often used when you want to dismiss or refer to items collectively.

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volado🔊C1

Use 'volado' (often in Mexico) for specific, often small, gadgets or items whose name you don't know or can't recall, similar to 'thingamajig'.

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madera🔊B2

Use 'madera' metaphorically to describe someone having the inherent qualities or potential for success in a particular field, like having the 'makings of' something.

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English → Spanish

cosa

/KOH-sah//ˈkosa/

nounA1
Use 'cosa' as a general, all-purpose translation for 'stuff' when referring to an unspecified object or item.
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).

material

mah-teh-ree-AHL/ma.teˈɾjal/

nounA1informal
Use 'material' as an informal collective noun for belongings or supplies, especially when talking about things needed for a specific purpose like school or work.
A colorful storybook illustration showing three distinct raw materials stacked neatly: a wooden plank, a coiled metal wire, and a swatch of blue fabric.

Examples

Necesito comprar material escolar para el niño.

I need to buy school supplies for the child.

Este material es muy resistente al agua.

This material is very water resistant.

El carpintero tiene todo el material listo para empezar la obra.

The carpenter has all the equipment ready to start the work.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in -al, 'material' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el material' or 'un material'.

Using 'Materiales' for Everything

Mistake: “¿Tienes el material para el proyecto?”

Correction: When talking about general 'supplies' or 'stuff,' use the singular 'el material.' Use the plural 'los materiales' only if you mean distinct types of materials (e.g., 'madera y metal son materiales').

madres

MA-dres/ˈma.ðɾes/

nounB2slang (Mexican)
Use 'madres' (in Mexico) as a colloquial and somewhat informal term for generic objects or things, often used when you want to dismiss or refer to items collectively.
A random, disorganized pile of miscellaneous generic objects, including a red ball, a blue book, and a yellow block, symbolizing 'stuff'.

Examples

Quita esas madres de mi escritorio, por favor.

Take that stuff off my desk, please.

¿Qué madres estás haciendo aquí?

What the heck are you doing here?

No sé cómo funciona esta madre.

I don't know how this thing works. (Note: often used in singular 'madre' for 'thing')

Generic Placeholder

In Mexico, 'madres' (or the singular 'madre') often replaces words like 'cosa' (thing) or 'asunto' (matter) when speaking very casually.

volado

/bo-LAH-do//boˈlaðo/

nounC1informal
Use 'volado' (often in Mexico) for specific, often small, gadgets or items whose name you don't know or can't recall, similar to 'thingamajig'.
A person pointing at a small, strangely shaped mechanical part on a table with a confused look.

Examples

¿Cómo se llama ese volado para abrir las latas?

What do you call that thingy for opening cans?

madera

mah-DEH-rah/maˈðeɾa/

nounB2informal
Use 'madera' metaphorically to describe someone having the inherent qualities or potential for success in a particular field, like having the 'makings of' something.
A tiny, vibrant green seedling pushing strongly out of rich dark soil, bathed in a soft, bright light.

Examples

Este joven tiene madera de campeón.

This young person has the makings of a champion.

Creo que tienes madera para ser un gran jefe.

I think you have the potential to be a great boss.

Al principio dudaba, pero demostró tener mucha madera para el baile.

At first, I doubted it, but she showed she had a lot of talent for dancing.

Figurative Use

This meaning is almost always used in the construction 'tener madera de...' (to have the wood/stuff of...) followed by the role or goal, like 'campeón' or 'artista'.

Using 'la' or 'una'

Mistake: “Decir 'Tiene la madera para ser doctor.'”

Correction: When used figuratively, 'madera' usually does NOT take the definite article 'la'. Say: 'Tiene madera para ser doctor.' (He has the potential to be a doctor).

Literal vs. Metaphorical 'Stuff'

The most common mistake is treating all Spanish translations of 'stuff' as literal objects. Remember that 'madera' is used metaphorically for potential, not for physical belongings. Also, be mindful of regional slang like 'madres' and 'volado' which are not universally understood.

Related Translations

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