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This vs That
Use Spanish demonstratives naturally with nouns and without nouns in real conversation
This vs That in Spanish
The Core Pattern
Spanish uses demonstratives that change for gender and number. Think of it as matching the noun first, then choosing how near or far something is.
este librothis book
esta mesathis table
estos zapatosthese shoes
estas llavesthese keys
ese librothat book
esa mesathat table
esos zapatosthose shoes
esas llavesthose keys
Practical Rule 1: Match Noun Gender and Number
The demonstrative must agree with the noun.
esta camisathis shirt
estos audifonosthese headphones
esa mochilathat backpack
esas botellasthose bottles
Practical Rule 2: Use Neuter for "This/That Thing"
Use neutral forms when there is no noun, or when pointing to a full idea or situation.
estothis (thing/idea)
esothat (thing/idea)
Esto no me gusta.I do not like this.
Eso esta caro.That is expensive.
No entiendo esto.I do not understand this.
Practical Rule 3: Distance Is About Perspective
Near speaker: `este/esta/estos/estas` Farther from speaker: `ese/esa/esos/esas`
Pasa me esta taza.Pass me this cup. (near me)
Pasa me esa taza.Pass me that cup. (near you / farther from me)
Common Mistakes
1) Using neuter with a noun
Common Nouns for Demonstratives
Demonstrative Words
Street Talk for Pointing Things Out (Northern Mexico)
Choosing the Right Form
Ready to Practice?
You and a friend are at a busy street food stand choosing what to order and what to take to the table. Practice quick choices with lots of `este/esta/estos/estas`, `ese/esa/esos/esas`, and `esto/eso`.
Start Lab: This One or That One?