Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Someone, something, nothing in Spanish
Learn how to refer to people or things when you don't know their names or when they don't exist. This guide focuses on the words 'alguien', 'nadie', 'algo', and 'nada'.
What you'll learn
- Identify and use indefinite pronouns for people (alguien/nadie).
- Identify and use indefinite pronouns for things (algo/nada).
- Understand how to place these words in a Spanish sentence.
- Learn the rule for negative words like 'nadie' and 'nada'.
Spanish phrases for someone, something, nothing
Alguien está esperando afuera.
Someone is waiting outside.
Alguien refers to a person you don't know.
Nadie está sentado en esta silla.
Nobody is sitting on this chair.
Nadie is used when there is no person present.
Algo se está moviendo en la caja.
Something is moving in the box.
Algo refers to an unspecified object.
Puedo oír algo detrás de la cortina.
I can hear something behind the curtain.
Used as the object of the verb 'oír'.
¿Quieres algo de beber?
Would you like something to drink?
Common way to offer a drink to a child.
No hay nada en mi bolsillo.
There is nothing in my pocket.
Notice the use of 'no' before the verb.
Nadie ha tomado tu galleta.
Nobody has taken your biscuit.
If Nadie comes first, you don't need the word 'no'.
Alguien ha dejado un sombrero aquí.
Someone has left a hat here.
Used with the present perfect 'ha dejado'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Alguien
Someone / Somebody
Always singular and used for people.
Nadie
Nobody / No one
The opposite of alguien.
Algo
Something
Always singular and used for objects or ideas.
Nada
Nothing
The opposite of algo.
People vs. Things
Spanish uses specific words depending on whether you are talking about a person or a thing. Unlike English, these words do not change based on gender.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| People (Positive) | Alguien | Alguien toca la puerta. |
| People (Negative) | Nadie | Nadie está en casa. |
| Things (Positive) | Algo | Tengo algo para ti. |
| Things (Negative) | Nada | No veo nada. |
The Double Negative Rule
If 'nadie' or 'nada' comes after the verb, you must put 'no' before the verb. If they come before the verb, you do not use 'no'.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| After verb | No + verb + nada/nadie | No vino nadie. |
| Before verb | Nadie/Nada + verb | Nadie vino. |
More examples
¿Hay alguien en la cocina?
Is there someone in the kitchen?
Used in a question.
No quiero nada, gracias.
I don't want anything, thanks.
Common polite refusal.
Algo huele muy bien.
Something smells very good.
Using 'algo' as the subject.