This brief paper outlines a development idea which based Vygotskians approaches and, in accordance with this idea, a characterization of algebraic thinking arises, it understood as a type of sophisticated reflection and cultural action. In the context of what has been called the emergency zone of algebraic thinking, some elements that try to problematize the distinction between arithmetic and algebraic thinking are proposed. Finally, from the studies developed by Radford, I approach a characterization of algebraic thinking which involves three components or vectors, namely, the sense of indeterminacy, analyticity and semiotics expression.