Spanish Conversation · Level 4
87 words
Spanish word
algo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈalɣo/
Meaning
- pronounsomething
Example
¿Quieres algo de beber?
Do you want something to drink?
More examples
Encontré algo que creo que te gustará.
I found something that I think you'll like.
Core concept
An indefinite, vague reference that signals an unspecified thing or a small, imprecise amount.
Common phrases
buscar algo
look for something
pedir algo
ask for something
Similar words
alguien: An unspecified person whose identity is not given.
alguno: Any single unspecified member (person or thing) of a group.
nada: Complete absence; nothing at all.
Definition in Spanish
Palabra que funciona como pronombre indefinido para referirse a algo no concreto y como adverbio para indicar una cantidad o grado pequeño.
Word origin
From Latin aliquid (ali- 'other' + quid 'what'), Spanish algo keeps the sense 'an unspecified thing' and acquires an adverbial use for vague quantity or degree.
Usage tips
- Before adjectives or adverbs, algo expresses 'somewhat' (algo difícil = somewhat difficult), while a specific small quantity is normally expressed with un poco de and a noun modifier uses algún/alguna.