cualquiera
either
The Spanish word 'cualquiera' is an equivalent to the English word 'either'. It is generally used as a pronoun or an adjective. It is used to indicate a choice between two alternatives, just like 'either' in English. For example, 'Puedes elegir cualquiera de las opciones' meaning 'You can choose either of the options'. However, it can also be used as 'any' in some cases, depending on the context.
Example sentences using: cualquiera
Podemos ir a cualquiera lugar.
We can go to any place.
In this phrase, 'cualquiera' is used before the noun 'lugar' (place) to indicate that any destination is an option.
Voy a tomar cualquiera autobús.
I'm going to take any bus.
In this phrase 'cualquiera' means 'any' and is used before a noun 'bus' showing the speaker doesn't care which specific bus they board.
Cualquiera de ustedes puede hacer el trabajo.
Any of you can do the job.
In this sentence, 'cualquiera' is used to mean 'any' and is referring to 'you' in a plural sense. Thus, it's suggesting that the job can be done by any individual within the addressed group.
Puedes elegir cualquiera de estos libros.
You can choose any of these books.
In this example, 'cualquiera' is used to indicate that the choice is open-ended and any book can be chosen. It's used before the noun, which is not common in casual conversation, but it's grammatically correct and used in formal speech or writing.
Cualquiera puede cocinar.
Anyone can cook.
Here, 'cualquiera' is used independently, meaning 'anyone'. This phrase is illustrating that literally any person is able to cook.
Estoy disponible en cualquiera fecha.
I am available on any date.
In this case, 'cualquiera' is used before a noun (fecha) to denote indefinite availability of the speaker. The exact date doesn't matter.
No me importa cualquiera de ellos.
I don't care about any of them.
'Cualquiera' in the phrase means 'any' and it is applied to 'them', indicating a lack of concern for any individual within the mentioned group.
Cualquiera diría que te gustan los dulces.
Anyone would say that you like sweets.
In this example, 'cualquiera' is used to imply 'anyone' in the given context. This phrase suggests that it's very obvious to any observer that the person likes sweets.
Podría haber sido cualquiera.
It could have been anyone.
In this example, 'cualquiera' stands on its own meaning 'anyone', indicating that any person could have been responsible or involved.
Cualquiera en su lugar tendría miedo.
Anyone in his/her place would be afraid.
Here 'cualquiera' stands for 'anyone'. The sentence indicates that any person, if found in the same situation, would feel the emotion of fear.