Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Someone Can Help in Spanish
Learn how to use indefinite pronouns to talk about people and things during group activities and projects. This guide focuses on 'someone', 'nobody', 'something', and 'nothing' in Spanish.
What you'll learn
- Use 'alguien' and 'nadie' to refer to people.
- Use 'algo' and 'nada' to refer to objects or concepts.
- Understand basic negative structures in Spanish sentences.
Spanish phrases for someone can help
Alguien te está esperando afuera.
Someone is waiting for you outside.
Alguien means someone.
Alguien tiene tu cuaderno.
Someone has your notebook.
Cuaderno is the common word for notebook.
Nadie está usando la computadora.
Nobody is using the computer.
Nadie means nobody/no one.
Nadie tiene que irse a casa todavía.
Nobody has to go home yet.
Todavía means yet or still.
Algo falta en tu proyecto.
Something is missing from your project.
Algo means something.
Nada está roto.
Nothing is broken.
Nada means nothing.
¿Necesitas algo para tu club?
Do you need something for your club?
Use algo in questions just like in English.
No necesitamos nada para el juego.
We need nothing for the game.
In Spanish, we use 'no' before the verb when 'nada' comes after it.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Alguien
Someone / Somebody
Used for people, never changes for gender.
Nadie
Nobody / No one
Used for people.
Algo
Something
Used for things or ideas.
Nada
Nothing
Used for things or ideas.
Indefinite Pronouns
Spanish uses specific words to refer to non-specific people or things. Unlike some other words, these do not change based on gender.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| People | Alguien / Nadie | Alguien llama. (Someone calls.) |
| Things | Algo / Nada | Tengo algo. (I have something.) |
The Double Negative
If 'nadie' or 'nada' comes after the verb, you must put 'no' before the verb. This is standard in Spanish and not considered a mistake.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject First | Nadie + Verb | Nadie vino. (Nobody came.) |
| Object Last | No + Verb + Nada/Nadie | No vi a nadie. (I didn't see anyone / I saw nobody.) |
More examples
¿Hay alguien en el salón?
Is there someone in the room?
Common question during group meetups.
No veo nada.
I see nothing.
Demonstrates the 'no... nada' double negative.
Algo es mejor que nada.
Something is better than nothing.
A useful common saying.