Affirmative indefinite words (algum, alguém, algo)

When browsing a flea market, you might not know exactly what you are looking for. Use indefinite pronouns and determiners to talk about unspecified people, things, or amounts.

Unspecified Things and People: Algo and Alguém

To say "something" or "anything", use algo. It is invariable (its form never changes).

I am going to buy something unique at the flea market.
Eu vou comprar algo único na feira.
He has something valuable at the flea market.
Ele tem algo valioso na feira.

To say "someone", "somebody", "anyone", or "anybody", use alguém. It is also invariable and takes a third-person singular verb.

Someone came to see the antique collection.
Alguém veio ver a coleção de antiguidades.
Did anyone buy this valuable antique?
Alguém comprou esta antiguidade valiosa?

Everything: Tudo

To say "everything" or "all things", use tudo. It also never changes form.

Everything in the jewelry collection is valuable.
Tudo na coleção de joias é valioso.

Unspecified Amounts: Algum

To say "some" or "any", use algum. Unlike the previous words, algum changes to agree in gender and number with the noun:

  • algum (masculine singular)
  • alguma (feminine singular)
  • alguns (masculine plural)
  • algumas (feminine plural)
We want to buy some valuable antiques.
Nós queremos comprar algumas antiguidades valiosas.

Use these forms in questions to ask if "any" of an item is available.

Is there any pottery on that shelf?
Há alguma cerâmica naquela prateleira?
Did you buy any jewelry from the seller?
Compraste alguma joia ao vendedor?