If these words make you scratch your head, you are not alone! This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive. In reality though, it is actually quite simple. Let’s break it down into groups, and you will see for yourself that it is not as difficult as it first appears!
You can also watch the video explanation here.
Alguém
“Alguém” means “someone” or “somebody.” Simple as that!
Alguém está na porta. / Somebody (or Someone) is at the door.
Algo and Alguma Coisa
Both “algo” and “alguma coisa” mean “something.” They can be used interchangeably.
Você quer algo? / Do you want something?
Você quer alguma coisa? / Do you want something?
*Note that “algo” is masculine, and “alguma coisa” is feminine.
Algum, Alguma, Alguns, Algumas
These are all adjectives that mean “some.” This means that as a general rule, they all need to be followed by a noun. The noun it modifies will determine which one you need to use.
Algum: singular/masculine
Eu espero poder viajar algum dia. / I hope to be able to travel some day.
Alguma: singular/feminine
Alguma mulher me falou que o dólar aumentou de novo. / Some woman told me that the dollar increased again.
Alguns: plural/masculine
Alguns bandidos foram presos ontem. / Some bad guys were arrested yesterday.
Algumas: plural/feminine
Algumas situações não são tão fáceis. / Some situations are not so easy.
Um, Uma, Uns, Umas
These are the indefinite articles in Portuguese. “Um” and “uma” are equivalent to “a” and “an” in English; however, since “a” and “an” are only used with singular nouns in English, the plural forms “uns” and “umas” also equate to “some” in English. This can get quite confusing, and in most cases, “alguns” and “uns” can be used interchangeably, as well as “algumas” and “umas.”
Um: singular/masculine
Tem um restaurante no final da rua. / There’s a restaurant at the end of the street.
Uma: singular/ feminine
Recebi uma mensagem do meu tio hoje. / I received a message from my uncle today.
Uns: plural/ masculine
Tem uns doces lá na cozinha. / There are some sweets there in the kitchen.
Umas: plural/feminine
Eu gostaria de convidar umas amigas para sair connosco amanhã. / I would like to invite some girlfriends to go out with us tomorrow.
Summary
So to sum it up, remember:
Alguém = Someone, Somebody
Algo / Alguma coisa = Something
Algum / Alguma / Alguns / Algumas = Some
Um / Uma = A, An
Uns / Umas = Some
