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In Spanish, we use cualquier or cualquiera to express any in the sense of "it doesn't matter which or what" (as in You can take any book).
Now let's see how to use cualquier or cualquiera!
Cualquier + [singular noun] = any + [singular noun]
Cualquier is used before a singular noun, and never agrees in gender.
Un/una [singular noun] + cualquiera = any + [singular noun]
Cualquiera is also singular and invariable but it is used after a noun. And it always needs the indefinite article (un/una).
ATTENTION:
There is also a plural form of cualquiera: cualesquiera.
- [plural noun] + cualesquiera = any + [plural noun]
- cualesquiera + [plural noun] = any + [plural noun]
Cualquier is the short form, and cualquiera is the full form. Just pick one of them and be careful with the placement.
Cualquier/cualquiera versus algún/alguna and ningún/ninguna
In Spanish, any (in the sense of some) is equivalent to:
- algún/alguna/algunos/algunas in affirmative sentences.
- ningún/ninguna/ningunos/ningunas in negative sentences.
The meaning of cualquier(a) is closer to any whatsoever/any old, and can be used in both affirmative and negative sentences.
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