Algum, Qualquer, or Nenhum? Portuguese Indefinite Words
Choose a Portuguese indefinite word based on whether you mean some, any one, or none.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Algum, alguma, alguns, and algumas agree with the noun and can refer to an unspecified person or thing. In questions, você tem algum livro? asks whether someone has any book.
Use algum for an unspecified one or some
Agreement makes the ending easier to identify: algum livro, alguma ideia, alguns amigos, algumas opções.
Você tem alguma pergunta?
Do you have any questions?
Conheci alguns vizinhos.
I met some neighbors.
Preciso de alguma informação.
I need some information.
Use qualquer for any one you choose
Qualquer often means any or whichever, with a sense that the choice is open. It is commonly used before a singular noun: qualquer dia (any day), qualquer pessoa (any person).
Use qualquer when the choice does not matter or any member of a group is acceptable. In a specific question about whether something exists, algum may be more natural.
Pode escolher qualquer mesa.
You can choose any table.
Qualquer horário depois das duas serve.
Any time after two works.
Pode me ligar a qualquer momento.
You can call me at any time.
Use nenhum to say there are no items
Nenhum and nenhuma mean none or not a single one and agree with the noun. Portuguese often uses não with the verb and nenhum before the noun: não tenho nenhum ingresso (I don’t have any tickets).
For nada and ninguém, see our separate guide to Portuguese negative words. Keep the noun visible while you practice agreement.
Não tenho nenhum compromisso amanhã.
I don’t have any plans tomorrow.
Nenhuma opção funciona para mim.
None of the options works for me.
Não recebi nenhuma mensagem.
I didn’t receive any messages.
Put it into practice
Choose between some/unspecified, any choice, and none; then match algum or nenhum to the noun’s gender and number.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “You can call me at any time”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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