Usage of words indicating existence or inexistence of an object or person is similar to English, and the distinction between words of existence or inexistence is made between objects and persons. The following table illustrates the aforementioned distinction.
Positive
Negative
Para cosas
Algo
Nada
For objects
Something
Nothing
Para personas
Alguien
Nadie
For persons
Somebody/Anybody
Nobody
There is nothing in the house No hay nada en la casa
Is there something outside? ¿Hay algo afuera?
There is nobody in the restroom No hay nadie en los baños
Is there anybody in the room? ¿Hay alguien en la habitación?
* Click {link:1185} for more information about double negative.
No hay nada en la casa