some
word
/ˈsəm/
SUM
/sˈʌm/
SUM
Definition
Used to refer to an unspecified amount or number of something, often when the exact amount is not known or is not important.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal speech. Often used with plural countable nouns (some apples), uncountable nouns (some water), and for offers or requests (Would you like some coffee?). Can also indicate a part of a whole or an unspecified number. Avoid confusing with 'any', which is often used in questions and negatives.
Spanish: algún - algo de - algunosPortuguese (BR): algum - algum pouco de - algunsPortuguese (PT): algum - algum pouco de - algunsChinese (Simplified): 一些 - 某些 - 有些Chinese (Traditional): 一些 - 某些 - 有些Hindi: कुछ - कुछ मात्राArabic: بعض - بعض منBengali: কিছু - কিছুটাRussian: некоторый - немногоJapanese: いくつかの - いくらかのVietnamese: một vài - một ítKorean: 몇 - 약간Turkish: birkaç - birazUrdu: کچھIndonesian: beberapa - sedikit
Example Sentences
I have some apples in the basket.
basic
I bought some new books yesterday.
natural
Can I have some bread, please?
basic
There are some things I want to tell you.
natural
Would you like some coffee?
natural
She wants some water to drink.
basic