Using alguien to say someone or anyone in Spanish

Learn about the Spanish "alguien"

We use the indefinite pronoun alguien to say someone or anyone:

  • alguien only refers to people, not animals or things 
  • there is only one form which is singular - it has no plural form.

Read and listen to these examples:

Alguien quiere hablar contigo urgentemente.Someone wants to talk to you urgently.

He visto a alguien que llevaba una pistola.I've seen someone who was carrying a gun.

However in interrogative sentences alguien  can be translated as anyone."

Have a look:

¿Ha visto usted a alguien entrar en el edificio?Have you seen anyone entering the building?

¿Alguien tiene un cigarrillo?Does anyone have a cigarette?

See also:  

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

¿Puede alguien ayudarte con los deberes?Could anyone help you with your homework?
Alguien quiere hablar contigo urgentemente.Someone wants to talk to you urgently.
He visto a alguien que llevaba una pistola.I've seen someone who was carrying a gun.
¿Ha visto usted a alguien entrar en el edificio?Have you seen anyone entering the building?
¿Alguien tiene un cigarrillo?Does anyone have a cigarette?
Let me take a look at that...