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The Spanish alguno, alguna, algunos, algunas
We use the indefinite pronoun alguno, alguna, algunos and algunas to express what in English is expressed by the words some, one or any.
Read and listen to these examples:
A Melisa le hace falta una camisa roja. ¿Le prestas alguna?Melisa needs a red shirt. Can you lend her one?
The indefinite pronoun alguno, alguna, algunos and algunas always agree with the noun they modify.
BE CAREFUL: alguno / alguna
Sometimes alguno and alguna have a specific nuance that has no direct/literal translation in English that means "some random something/someone", "one or two" or "the odd one":
- this idea is non-specific in number and can refer to one or more items
- it does agree in gender but not in number even when it refers to a plural noun
- when used this way the pronoun is always singular and never the plural form
- in addition to there being no direct/literal English translation, often the most natural translation may not be a singular equivalent
For example:
-¿Probaste muchos platos exóticos en el evento gastronómico? -Sí, probé alguno.-Did you try lots of exotic dishes in the gastronomic event? -Yes, I tried the odd one.
Have a look at the following examples:
Don't confuse the indefinite pronoun alguno with the indefinite adjective algún. You can never use algún without a noun!
See also Pronombre indefinido
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