Indefinite pronouns are a small group of words that refer to a vague and imprecise quantity or quality.

They do not refer to specific persons or objects. They are always invariable in gender and number.

They are mostly used to express general ideas or approximations.

Algo/Alguien

“Algo” and “alguien” are the indefinite pronouns that translate to “something” and “someone” respectively. In Spanish, these two indefinite pronouns are sometimes introduced by the preposition “a”.

Examples :

• Comiste algo hoy ? = Did you eat something today?
• Tengo algo para ti = I have something for you
• He visto a alguien en la cas = I saw someone in the house
• Alguien me dijo = Someone told me

Nada/Nadie

“Nada” and “nadie” are indefinite pronouns that can be translated as “nothing” and “nobody”. They are also sometimes introduced by the preposition “a”.

Examples :

• No tengo más nada que hacer = I have nothing left to do
• No hay nada en mi casa = There is nothing in my hand
• Nadie sabe nada = Nobody knows anything
• No quiero ver a nadie ! = I don’t want to see anyone!

Cualquiera/Quienquiera

“Cualquiera” takes on the meaning of “any one” or “anyone”. “Quienquiera” is more rarely used, it often precedes “que” in some literary expressions.

Examples :

• Cualquiera lo puede hacer = Anyone can do it
• Aqui puede venir cualquiera = Here, anyone can come
• Quienquiera que sea = Whoever it is

Variable pronouns

Variable indefinite pronouns are used to replace a noun or a nominal group.

They agree in gender and number with the noun they replace. The most common are: mucho, todo, alguno, vario, ninguno.

Be careful, these words can also be used as indefinite determiners if they precede a noun in order to specify the quantity.

Examples :

• Muchos fueron al cine = Many went to the movies
• Muchas de las flores tienen lindos colores = Many of the flowers have beautiful colors
• Ha robado todo = He stole everything
• Estamos todos aqui = We are all here
• Algunos lo saben = Some know it
• Me gustaría tener algunos = I would like to have some
• Varios me gustan = There are several I like
• En el supermercado tienen varias = At the supermarket they have some
• No me queda ninguna = I have none left
• Ninguno fue eficaz = None were effective

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