Inklingo

How to Say "thing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “thing” is “cosa” — use 'cosa' when referring to a general, unspecified object or matter, much like 'thing' in English when you don't know or don't need to specify what it is..

cosa🔊A1

Use 'cosa' when referring to a general, unspecified object or matter, much like 'thing' in English when you don't know or don't need to specify what it is.

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objeto🔊A1

Choose 'objeto' when you want to refer to a tangible item or a distinct object, often something that has been found or is being examined.

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rollo🔊B1

Use 'rollo' to describe a casual romantic or sexual involvement, similar to 'a fling' or 'a thing' between two people that isn't serious.

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negocio🔊B2

Employ 'negocio' when referring to a complex situation, affair, or matter, especially one that is complicated or sensitive.

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roll🔊B2

Use 'roll' (or more commonly 'rollo' in this sense) to describe a vibe, atmosphere, or a particular type of situation that has a certain feel to it.

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English → Spanish

cosa

/KOH-sah//ˈkosa/

nounA1general
Use 'cosa' when referring to a general, unspecified object or matter, much like 'thing' in English when you don't know or don't need to specify what it is.
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
Choose 'objeto' when you want to refer to a tangible item or a distinct object, often something that has been found or is being examined.
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.

rollo

ROH-yoh/ˈro.ʎo/

nounB1informal
Use 'rollo' to describe a casual romantic or sexual involvement, similar to 'a fling' or 'a thing' between two people that isn't 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-syo//neˈɣo.sjo/

nounB2general
Employ 'negocio' when referring to a complex situation, affair, or matter, especially one that is complicated or sensitive.
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

/rrohl//rol/

nounB2informal
Use 'roll' (or more commonly 'rollo' in this sense) to describe a vibe, atmosphere, or a particular type of situation that has a certain feel to it.
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.

Distinguishing 'cosa' from 'rollo' and 'negocio'

The most common mistake is using 'cosa' for abstract situations or relationships. Remember that 'cosa' is for physical objects or general, undefined matters, while 'rollo' and 'negocio' are used for more specific, often complex, situations or dynamics.

Related Translations

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