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"Un" is an indefinite article which is often translated as "a", and "alguno" is an adjective which is often translated as "some". Learn more about the difference between "un" and "alguno" below.
un(
oon
)An indefinite article is a word that indicates that a noun is not specific (e.g., a girl).
1. (singular)
b. an (before vowel sound)
Tienen una vieja cámara que todavía funciona.They have an old camera which is still working.
alguno(
ahl
-
goo
-
noh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. some (in affirmative clauses)
Dime que traes alguna buena noticia.Tell me you have some good news.
b. any (in interrogative or negative clauses)
¿Tiene algún error mi ensayo?Does my essay have any errors?
c. a (in interrogative or negative clauses)
¿Tienes alguna camiseta que me puedas prestar?Do you have a shirt that you can lend me?
a. any
No tiene conocimiento alguno sobre programación.He doesn't have any knowledge about programming.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. any
Tengo muchos tomates en el jardín. ¿Quieres alguno?I have a lot of tomatoes in the garden. Would you like any?
a. someone (in affirmative clauses)
¡Mamá¡ ¡Papá! Alguno tiene que ayudarme con mi tarea de matemáticas.Mom! Dad! Someone has to help me with my math homework.
b. somebody (in affirmative clauses)
Por favor que alguno le abra la puerta.Somebody please open the door for him.
c. anyone (in interrogative clauses)
¿Me puede ayudar alguno a cambiar una llanta pinchada?Can anyone help me change a flat tire?
d. anybody (in interrogative clauses)
De tantos chicos en la fiesta ¿viste a alguno que ya conocías?Out of all those guys at the party, did you see anybody you already knew?
b. some people
Algunos dirían que estamos locos por quedarnos aquí.Some people would say we're mad to stay here.
