Inklingo

How to Say "thing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “thing” is “cosa” — use 'cosa' for a general, unspecified object or abstract concept when you don't know or don't need to specify the exact word.

English → Spanish

cosa

KOH-sahˈkosa

nounA1general
Use 'cosa' for a general, unspecified object or abstract concept when you don't know or don't need to specify the exact word.
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 'objeto' when referring to a tangible item or a specific object, especially if it's distinct or unusual.
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.

vaina

BYE-nahˈbeina

nounB1informal
Use 'vaina' informally as a placeholder word for any object or situation, similar to 'thingamajig' or 'stuff'.
A colorful gift box with a bright ribbon sitting on a table.

Examples

¿Qué es esa vaina que tienes en la mano?

What is that thing you have in your hand?

¡Qué vaina! Se me olvidaron las llaves en casa.

What a pain! I forgot my keys at home.

No me vengas con esa vaina ahora.

Don't come to me with that nonsense right now.

The Ultimate Placeholder

In many Caribbean and South American countries, this word replaces almost any noun when you can't remember the name or are being casual.

Emotional Context

This word changes meaning based on your tone. It can be neutral ('that thing'), annoyed ('that mess'), or even positive depending on the context.

Using it in Formal Settings

Mistake: “Saying 'La vaina es importante' in a business meeting.”

Correction: Use 'El asunto' or 'El tema' in professional environments. 'Vaina' is very casual and can sound unpolished or even rude in formal contexts.

rollo

ROH-yohˈro.ʎo

nounB1informal
Use 'rollo' to describe a casual romantic or sexual relationship that is not serious.
A man and a woman smile brightly at each other as they quickly pass by on a winding path, symbolizing a brief encounter.

Examples

Ellos tuvieron un rollo durante el verano, pero ya terminó.

They had a fling/thing during the summer, but it's over now.

¿Sabes si María tiene un rollo con el nuevo camarero?

Do you know if Maria is seeing (has a thing with) the new waiter?

Using 'Tener'

To talk about having this kind of relationship, you always use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tener un rollo con alguien' (to have a fling with someone).

negocio

neh-GO-syoneˈɣo.sjo

nounB2general
Use 'negocio' to refer to a complicated situation, affair, or matter, often abstract.
A small, distressed figure sitting in the middle of a huge, tangled pile of colorful strings and papers, symbolizing a complicated matter or mess.

Examples

El divorcio de mis padres fue un negocio muy complicado.

My parents' divorce was a very complicated affair.

¡Vaya negocio en el que te has metido!

What a mess you've gotten yourself into!

Arreglar los papeles de la visa es todo un negocio.

Sorting out the visa paperwork is quite a whole thing/ordeal.

roll

rrohlrol

nounB2informal
Use 'roll' (often pronounced like the English word) to describe a specific vibe, atmosphere, or characteristic of a place or situation.
A storybook illustration of a cozy cafe interior bathed in warm yellow light. Gentle, visible purple and pink energy waves float in the air, representing a pleasant atmosphere or feeling.

Examples

Me encanta el roll de este café; es muy relajante.

I love the vibe of this café; it's very relaxing.

¿Sabes si Marta y Pedro tienen un roll?

Do you know if Marta and Pedro have a thing going on?

No te preocupes por ese roll, ya se arreglará.

Don't worry about that situation, it will sort itself out.

Always Masculine

Even though this word is borrowed from English, treat it like a Spanish masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Using it outside of Spain

Mistake: “Using 'roll' to mean 'vibe' in most of Latin America.”

Correction: This slang is highly regional (Spain). Use 'ambiente' or 'atmósfera' instead for broader communication.

Cosa vs. Rollo/Negocio

Learners often default to 'cosa' for all meanings of 'thing'. However, remember that 'rollo' specifically refers to a casual relationship, and 'negocio' describes a complex situation or affair, not just any object.

Related Translations

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