Algum vs. Nenhum: Say ‘Some,’ ‘Any,’ and ‘None’ in Portuguese — Practice

Use algum for an unspecified option or quantity

Algum, alguma, alguns, and algumas refer to an unspecified person or thing. Before a noun, they often mean ‘some’ or ‘any’: algum problema? (any problem?), algumas ideias (some ideas). The form agrees with the noun in gender and number.

After a negative word, algum may mean ‘any’ in some Brazilian sentences, but nenhum is a very clear way to say ‘not any.’ In questions, the intended English translation depends on whether the speaker expects an answer or offers a possibility.

Use nenhum to say there are zero options

Nenhum, nenhuma, nenhuns, and nenhumas mean ‘none,’ ‘no,’ or ‘not any,’ depending on the sentence. They agree with the noun: nenhum problema, nenhuma resposta, nenhumas dúvidas. In a sentence where nenhum follows the verb, não commonly appears before the verb too: não tenho nenhum problema.

If nenhum begins the clause, it can express the negative without não: nenhuma resposta chegou (no answer arrived). This follows the same negative agreement pattern used with ninguém and nada.

Remember: Use algum/alguma for an unspecified option or amount. Use nenhum/nenhuma when the amount is zero, and match the form to the noun.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Do you have any questions?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você tem alguma pergunta?

2. We can schedule it for some day next week.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A gente pode marcar para algum dia da semana que vem.

3. I brought some documents for you.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Trouxe alguns documentos para você.

4. I didn’t receive any confirmation.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Não recebi nenhuma confirmação.

5. None of the buses stop here.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Nenhum dos ônibus para aqui.

6. We don’t have any rooms available today.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Não temos nenhum quarto disponível hoje.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Use algum/alguma for an unspecified option or amount. Use nenhum/nenhuma when the amount is zero, and match the form to the noun.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Algum vs. Nenhum: Say ‘Some,’ ‘Any,’ and ‘None’ in Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.