How to Say "This" in Spanish: Mastering Demonstrative Pronouns

Understanding how to express “this” in Spanish is fundamental for clear and accurate communication. The Spanish language uses demonstrative pronouns and adjectives to indicate proximity and identify specific nouns.

Mastering these forms allows you to point out objects or concepts, specifying whether they are near or far, which is essential for everyday conversations and more complex discussions. This article offers a comprehensive guide to Spanish demonstratives, covering their forms, usage, and common pitfalls.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will enhance your ability to express yourself precisely in Spanish.

Introduction
Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives
Structural Breakdown
Types and Categories of Demonstratives
Examples of Demonstrative Use
Usage Rules
Common Mistakes
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
- Demonstratives with Relative Clauses
- Formal vs. Informal Usage
FAQ
Conclusion

Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives

Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are essential components of Spanish grammar, used to indicate the relative distance of objects or ideas from the speaker. These words help clarify which specific item or concept is being referenced within a conversation or text.

They function by pointing out nouns, specifying their proximity in terms of space or time. The key to mastering demonstratives lies in understanding their forms and how they agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify or replace.

In Spanish, demonstratives come in two forms: adjectives and pronouns. Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns directly, providing additional information about which noun is being referenced. For example, in the phrase “este libro” (this book), “este” is a demonstrative adjective. On the other hand, demonstrative pronouns replace nouns, standing in for them when the noun is already understood or has been previously mentioned. For example, in the sentence “Quiero este” (I want this one), “este” is a demonstrative pronoun.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of Spanish demonstratives is based on three levels of proximity: near, intermediate, and far. Each level corresponds to a different set of forms that indicate how close or distant the object or idea is from the speaker.

These forms change based on gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) to agree with the noun they refer to or replace.

Here’s a breakdown of the basic structure:

Near (close to the speaker): este, esta, estos, estas
Intermediate (some distance from the speaker): ese, esa, esos, esas
Far (distant from the speaker): aquel, aquella, aquellos, aquellas

In addition to these forms, Spanish also uses neuter demonstrative pronouns: esto, eso, aquello. These neuter forms do not refer to specific nouns but rather to general ideas, situations, or unspecified objects. They are invariable and do not change based on gender or number.

Types and Categories of Demonstratives

Spanish demonstratives are categorized by gender (masculine, feminine, and neuter), number (singular and plural), and proximity (near, intermediate, and far). Understanding these categories is crucial for using demonstratives correctly.

Masculine Singular

The masculine singular forms are used to refer to a single masculine noun. The forms are:

Near: este (this)
Intermediate: ese (that)
Far: aquel (that over there)

Feminine Singular

The feminine singular forms are used to refer to a single feminine noun. The forms are:

Near: esta (this)
Intermediate: esa (that)
Far: aquella (that over there)

Masculine Plural

The masculine plural forms are used to refer to multiple masculine nouns. The forms are:

Near: estos (these)
Intermediate: esos (those)
Far: aquellos (those over there)

Feminine Plural

The feminine plural forms are used to refer to multiple feminine nouns. The forms are:

Near: estas (these)
Intermediate: esas (those)
Far: aquellas (those over there)

Neuter Forms

The neuter forms are used to refer to abstract ideas, situations, or unspecified objects. They do not change based on gender or number.

Near: esto (this)
Intermediate: eso (that)
Far: aquello (that over there)

Examples of Demonstrative Use

The following examples illustrate how demonstrative adjectives and pronouns are used in various contexts, categorized by proximity.

Proximity Examples

These examples demonstrate the use of este, esta, estos, and estas to indicate objects or ideas close to the speaker.

The table below provides several examples of demonstrative adjectives and pronouns indicating proximity to the speaker.

Spanish	English Translation	Type
Este libro es interesante.	This book is interesting.	Adjective
Quiero esta camisa.	I want this shirt.	Adjective
Estos zapatos son cómodos.	These shoes are comfortable.	Adjective
Estas flores son hermosas.	These flowers are beautiful.	Adjective
¿Cuál prefieres, este o ese?	Which do you prefer, this one or that one?	Pronoun
Esta es mi casa.	This is my house.	Pronoun
Estos son mis amigos.	These are my friends.	Pronoun
Estas son las llaves del coche.	These are the car keys.	Pronoun
Este coche es mío.	This car is mine.	Adjective
Esta idea es genial.	This idea is great.	Adjective
Estos problemas son difíciles.	These problems are difficult.	Adjective
Estas soluciones son efectivas.	These solutions are effective.	Adjective
Prefiero este.	I prefer this one.	Pronoun
¿Te gusta esta?	Do you like this one?	Pronoun
Estos son los mejores.	These are the best ones.	Pronoun
Estas son las que necesito.	These are the ones I need.	Pronoun
Este es el momento.	This is the moment.	Pronoun
Esta es la oportunidad.	This is the opportunity.	Pronoun
Estos son los resultados.	These are the results.	Pronoun
Estas son las condiciones.	These are the conditions.	Pronoun
Este proyecto es importante.	This project is important.	Adjective
Esta canción es popular.	This song is popular.	Adjective
Estos ejercicios son útiles.	These exercises are useful.	Adjective
Estas reglas son necesarias.	These rules are necessary.	Adjective
¿Es este tu paraguas?	Is this your umbrella?	Adjective
¿Es esta tu mochila?	Is this your backpack?	Adjective
¿Son estos tus guantes?	Are these your gloves?	Adjective
¿Son estas tus gafas?	Are these your glasses?	Adjective

Intermediate Distance Examples

These examples use ese, esa, esos, and esas to refer to objects or ideas that are at an intermediate distance from the speaker, typically closer to the listener.

The table below provides several examples of demonstrative adjectives and pronouns indicating an intermediate distance to the speaker.

Spanish	English Translation	Type
Ese coche es rápido.	That car is fast.	Adjective
Esa casa es grande.	That house is big.	Adjective
Esos árboles son altos.	Those trees are tall.	Adjective
Esas montañas son hermosas.	Those mountains are beautiful.	Adjective
¿Recuerdas ese día?	Do you remember that day?	Adjective
Esa es la verdad.	That is the truth.	Pronoun
Esos son mis problemas.	Those are my problems.	Pronoun
Esas son tus responsabilidades.	Those are your responsibilities.	Pronoun
Ese problema es complicado.	That problem is complicated.	Adjective
Esa solución es simple.	That solution is simple.	Adjective
Esos libros son interesantes.	Those books are interesting.	Adjective
Esas películas son divertidas.	Those movies are fun.	Adjective
Prefiero ese.	I prefer that one.	Pronoun
¿Te gusta esa?	Do you like that one?	Pronoun
Esos son los peores.	Those are the worst ones.	Pronoun
Esas son las que no quiero.	Those are the ones I don’t want.	Pronoun
Ese es el camino.	That is the way.	Pronoun
Esa es la respuesta.	That is the answer.	Pronoun
Esos son los resultados esperados.	Those are the expected results.	Pronoun
Esas son las consecuencias.	Those are the consequences.	Pronoun
Ese restaurante es bueno.	That restaurant is good.	Adjective
Esa tienda es cara.	That store is expensive.	Adjective
Esos estudiantes son inteligentes.	Those students are intelligent.	Adjective
Esas preguntas son difíciles.	Those questions are difficult.	Adjective
¿Es ese tu coche?	Is that your car?	Adjective
¿Es esa tu bicicleta?	Is that your bicycle?	Adjective
¿Son esos tus amigos?	Are those your friends?	Adjective
¿Son esas tus llaves?	Are those your keys?	Adjective

Far Distance Examples

These examples use aquel, aquella, aquellos, and aquellas to refer to objects or ideas that are far from both the speaker and the listener.

The table below provides several examples of demonstrative adjectives and pronouns indicating a far distance to the speaker.

Spanish	English Translation	Type
Aquel edificio es el más alto.	That building over there is the tallest.	Adjective
Aquella estrella brilla mucho.	That star over there shines brightly.	Adjective
Aquellos tiempos eran mejores.	Those times over there were better.	Adjective
Aquellas personas son de otro país.	Those people over there are from another country.	Adjective
¿Te acuerdas de aquel verano?	Do you remember that summer over there?	Adjective
Aquella es mi escuela.	That over there is my school.	Pronoun
Aquellos son mis padres.	Those over there are my parents.	Pronoun
Aquellas son las montañas que escalamos.	Those over there are the mountains we climbed.	Pronoun
Aquel hombre es mi abuelo.	That man over there is my grandfather.	Adjective
Aquella mujer es mi tía.	That woman over there is my aunt.	Adjective
Aquellos perros son peligrosos.	Those dogs over there are dangerous.	Adjective
Aquellas casas son antiguas.	Those houses over there are old.	Adjective
Prefiero aquel.	I prefer that one over there.	Pronoun
¿Ves aquella?	Do you see that one over there?	Pronoun
Aquellos son los más caros.	Those over there are the most expensive ones.	Pronoun
Aquellas son las que quiero evitar.	Those over there are the ones I want to avoid.	Pronoun
Aquel es el destino.	That over there is the destination.	Pronoun
Aquella es la solución.	That over there is the solution.	Pronoun
Aquellos son los recuerdos.	Those over there are the memories.	Pronoun
Aquellas son las oportunidades perdidas.	Those over there are the lost opportunities.	Pronoun
Aquel lago es profundo.	That lake over there is deep.	Adjective
Aquella isla es remota.	That island over there is remote.	Adjective
Aquellos pájaros son raros.	Those birds over there are rare.	Adjective
Aquellas nubes son oscuras.	Those clouds over there are dark.	Adjective
¿Es aquel tu coche viejo?	Is that your old car over there?	Adjective
¿Es aquella tu casa antigua?	Is that your old house over there?	Adjective
¿Son aquellos tus hermanos?	Are those your brothers over there?	Adjective
¿Son aquellas tus hermanas?	Are those your sisters over there?	Adjective

Neuter Demonstrative Pronoun Examples

These examples illustrate the use of esto, eso, and aquello to refer to abstract ideas, situations, or unspecified objects.

The table below provides several examples of neuter demonstrative pronouns.

Spanish	English Translation
Esto es importante.	This is important.
Eso no es verdad.	That is not true.
Aquello fue increíble.	That was incredible.
No entiendo esto.	I don’t understand this.
¿Qué es eso?	What is that?
Aquello ya pasó.	That already happened.
Esto es lo que quiero.	This is what I want.
Eso es lo que necesito.	That is what I need.
Aquello es lo que temo.	That is what I fear.
Esto me preocupa.	This worries me.
Eso me molesta.	That bothers me.
Aquello me asusta.	That scares me.
Esto es un secreto.	This is a secret.
Eso es un problema.	That is a problem.
Aquello es un misterio.	That is a mystery.
Esto es nuevo para mí.	This is new to me.
Eso es diferente.	That is different.
Aquello es inaceptable.	That is unacceptable.
Esto es un ejemplo.	This is an example.
Eso es una excepción.	That is an exception.
Aquello es una rareza.	That is a rarity.
Esto es todo.	This is all.
Eso es suficiente.	That is enough.
Aquello es el fin.	That is the end.

Usage Rules

Understanding the rules governing the use of demonstrative pronouns and adjectives is essential for accurate communication in Spanish.

Agreement with Nouns

Demonstrative adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. This means that if the noun is masculine singular, the demonstrative adjective must also be masculine singular.

The same applies to feminine, plural, and neuter forms.

For example:

Este libro (this book) – masculine singular
Esta casa (this house) – feminine singular
Estos libros (these books) – masculine plural
Estas casas (these houses) – feminine plural

Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives modify nouns, whereas demonstrative pronouns replace nouns. It’s crucial to distinguish between these two functions to use them correctly.

For example:

Adjective: Quiero este coche. (I want this car.)
Pronoun: Quiero este. (I want this one.)

Omission of Nouns

When using demonstrative pronouns, the noun is often omitted because it is already understood from the context. This is common in conversational Spanish.

For example:

¿Cuál prefieres, este o ese? (Which do you prefer, this one or that one?) – The nouns “libro” (book) or “coche” (car) could be implied.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes can occur when using Spanish demonstratives. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.

Incorrect Agreement: Forgetting to match the gender and number of the demonstrative with the noun.

Incorrect: Este casa
Correct: Esta casa

Confusing Pronouns and Adjectives: Using a pronoun when an adjective is needed, or vice versa.

Incorrect: Quiero este libro, no quiero este. (Intended meaning: I want this book, I don’t want this (book).)
Correct: Quiero este libro, no quiero ése.

Misusing Neuter Forms: Using neuter forms to refer to specific nouns.

Incorrect: Esto libro es interesante.
Correct: Este libro es interesante.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of Spanish demonstratives with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct demonstrative adjective or pronoun (este, esta, estos, estas, ese, esa, esos, esas, aquel, aquella, aquellos, aquellas, esto, eso, aquello).

The table below provides the sentences with blanks for you to fill in.

Question	Answer
¿Qué es _______? (pointing to something nearby)	esto
_______ libro es muy interesante. (referring to a book nearby)	Este
_______ casa es grande. (referring to a house at an intermediate distance)	Esa
_______ montañas son hermosas. (referring to mountains far away)	Aquellas
_______ zapatos son cómodos. (referring to shoes nearby)	Estos
_______ coche es rápido. (referring to a car at an intermediate distance)	Ese
¿Prefieres _______ o _______? (pointing to two items nearby)	este, ese
_______ es mi problema. (referring to something abstract)	Eso
_______ es mi casa. (referring to a house nearby)	Esta
_______ son mis amigos. (referring to friends nearby)	Estos

Exercise 2: Translation

Translate the following sentences into Spanish using demonstrative adjectives or pronouns.

The table below provides the sentences for you to translate.

English	Spanish
This is important.	Esto es importante.
That car is fast.	Ese coche es rápido.
Those mountains over there are beautiful.	Aquellas montañas son hermosas.
I want this book.	Quiero este libro.
Do you remember that day?	¿Recuerdas ese día?
This is my house.	Esta es mi casa.
Those are my problems.	Esos son mis problemas.
That over there is my school.	Aquella es mi escuela.
These shoes are comfortable.	Estos zapatos son cómodos.
What is that?	¿Qué es eso?

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

The table below provides the sentences with errors for you to correct.

Incorrect	Correct
Este casa es bonita.	Esta casa es bonita.
Quiero este, no quiero ese libro.	Quiero este libro, no quiero ese.
Esto libro es interesante.	Este libro es interesante.
Esos coche es rápido.	Ese coche es rápido.
Aquellas hombre es alto.	Aquel hombre es alto.
Estas libro es mi favorito.	Este libro es mi favorito.
Ese casa es muy grande.	Esa casa es muy grande.
Aquellos casa es antigua.	Aquella casa es antigua.
Estos problema es difícil.	Este problema es difícil.
Esas niño es travieso.	Ese niño es travieso.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding more complex aspects of demonstrative use can further refine their Spanish language skills.

Demonstratives with Relative Clauses

Demonstratives can be used with relative clauses to provide more specific information about the noun being referenced. For example:

Este libro, que compré ayer, es muy interesante. (This book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.)

Formal vs. Informal Usage

While the basic rules remain the same, the frequency and style of demonstrative use can vary between formal and informal contexts. In more formal settings, speakers may use more precise language and avoid omitting nouns, whereas informal conversations may feature more relaxed and abbreviated forms.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about using “this” in Spanish.

Q: How do I know when to use este vs. ese vs. aquel?
A: The choice depends on the distance of the object from the speaker. Este is used for objects close to the speaker, ese for objects at an intermediate distance, and aquel for objects far away from both the speaker and the listener. Consider the context and the relative positions of the objects and people involved.
Q: Can I use esto to refer to a specific object?
A: No, esto is a neuter pronoun used to refer to abstract ideas, situations, or unspecified objects. It cannot be used to refer to specific nouns. Use este or esta instead, depending on the gender of the noun.
Q: What happens if the distance is unclear?
A: If the distance is unclear, it’s often best to use ese or esa, as they are generally considered more neutral and can be used for objects that are not immediately close to the speaker. Clarifying with additional information can also help.
Q: Do demonstrative pronouns always need to agree in gender and number?
A: Yes, demonstrative adjectives must always agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. Demonstrative pronouns also imply agreement with the noun they replace, even if the noun is not explicitly stated.
Q: Is it common to omit the noun when using a demonstrative pronoun?
A: Yes, it is very common to omit the noun when it is already understood from the context. This is especially frequent in spoken Spanish.
Q: How do I use demonstratives with
relative clauses?

A: Place the demonstrative before the noun and then introduce the relative clause with a relative pronoun such as “que” (that/which). Ensure that the demonstrative agrees in gender and number with the noun. For example: “Este libro, que compré ayer, es muy interesante.”

Conclusion

Mastering demonstrative pronouns and adjectives is crucial for effective communication in Spanish. By understanding the different forms, their agreement rules, and common usage scenarios, you can express yourself with greater precision and clarity.

Regular practice and attention to detail will solidify your understanding, enabling you to navigate conversations and written texts with confidence. Whether you’re describing objects nearby, referencing distant ideas, or clarifying ambiguous situations, the correct use of demonstratives will significantly enhance your Spanish language skills.

How to Say “This” in Spanish: Mastering Demonstrative Pronouns

Table of Contents

Definition of Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives

Structural Breakdown