Inklingo

How to Say "things" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cosas

/KO-sas//ˈko.sas/

NounA1General
Use 'cosas' for general, unspecified objects or items in everyday situations. It's the most versatile and common translation.
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.

objetos

oh-BHEH-tohs/oˈxetos/

NounA1General
Use 'objetos' when referring to more distinct or tangible items, often implying they are personal belongings or items that need to be handled or packed.
A simple colorful storybook illustration featuring four distinct physical items: a red ball, a blue book, a yellow cup, and a brown wooden block, arranged together.

Examples

Necesito empacar todos mis objetos personales antes de mudarme.

I need to pack all my personal objects before moving.

Hay muchos objetos pequeños de valor en esta caja.

There are many small valuable items in this box.

Los objetos perdidos se encuentran en la oficina principal.

Lost objects are found in the main office.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of 'objeto.' Since 'objeto' ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural.

Masculine Noun Rule

'Objetos' is a masculine noun, so it always uses masculine articles and adjectives: 'los objetos,' 'objetos viejos' (old objects).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La objetos (using the feminine article 'la')”

Correction: Los objetos (Use the masculine article 'los' since 'objetos' is masculine.)

madres

MA-dres/ˈma.ðɾes/

NounB2Informal
Use 'madres' informally to refer to a collection of unspecified items or stuff, often when expressing annoyance or a desire for them to be removed.
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.

Choosing between 'cosas' and 'objetos'

Learners often use 'cosas' and 'objetos' interchangeably. While 'cosas' is a general catch-all, 'objetos' implies more specific, tangible items, especially personal belongings. Reserve 'objetos' for when you're talking about items that are distinct and can be individually identified or handled.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.