Saying 'Any' in Spanish

The English word "any" has no single equivalent in Spanish, and it can often be left untranslated. Following are some of the most common ways you can express the idea of "any." Note that in most cases, the ways listed aren't the only possibilities:

When "any" can be omitted in English: In many cases, "any" as an adjective is superfluous, adding little independent meaning and having the ability to be omitted without much change in how the sentence is understood. Under those circumstances, and especially in questions, the word can usually be left untranslated in the Spanish equivalent. Some examples:

• If you have (any) additional questions about this product, you can check the label. Si tienes preguntas adicionales sobre este producto, puedes consultar la etiqueta.
• Are there (any) books about the National Museum in English? ¿Hay libros sobre el Museo Nacional en inglés?
• If we don't make (any) progress this week, a huge job will be left for us next week. Si no hacemos progresos esta semana, nos quedará una tarea monumental para la semana próxima.
• Do you want (any) more carrots? ¿Quieres más zanahorias?
• I don't feel (any) pain. No siento dolor.

"Any" in negative sentences: In negative sentences, "any" can often be translated as ninguno, which varies according to number and gender. Note that ninguno is shortened to ningún when it comes before a singular masculine noun. Like "any," ninguno and its variations can function as both adjectives and pronouns. Keep in mind that double negatives are common and acceptable in Spanish. In cases where ninguno can be omitted (as in the final example from the previous section), its use adds emphasis.

• If you don't have any of these documents, you can submit one of the following. Si no tiene ninguno de estos documentos, puede someter uno de los siguientes.
• I don't see any advantages for the citizens. No veo ningunas ventajas para los ciudadanos.
• I don't feel any pain. No siento ningún dolor.

When "any" means "whatever": When "any" means is used to mean that a variety of choices will do, you can use cualquiera, which is shortened to cualquier when used as an adjective before a noun (either masculine or feminine). The plural form, cualesquiera, is usually not used where the same idea can be expressed using the singular.

• I am looking for any Harry Potter book. Busco cualquier libro de Harry Potter.
• Any mother can distinguish her child from all other children. Cualquier madre puede distinguir a su hijo de todos los demás niños.
• "Which meal do you want to eat?" "Any one. It doesn't matter." —¿Qué comida quieres comer? —Cualquiera. No importa.
• It is absolutely prohibited to provide syringes or hypodermic needles in any way. Es absolutamente prohibido suministrar de cualquier modo jeringuillas o agujas hipodérmicas..