Demonstrative Pronouns: This, That, These, Those

In this module, you will learn about demonstrative pronouns in Spanish, which are used to point out specific things or people. Demonstrative pronouns help provide clarity in a conversation by indicating whether something is close, far, or further away in time or space. This module will teach you how to use este, esa, aquellos, and other pronouns correctly in context.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Demonstrative Pronouns

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out or refer to specific things or people and show their relationship to the speaker, either as near or far. In English, these would correspond to words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.”

The Demonstrative Pronouns:

Este (this) – Used for masculine singular objects close to the speaker.

Esta (this) – Used for feminine singular objects close to the speaker.

Estos (these) – Used for masculine plural objects close to the speaker.

Estas (these) – Used for feminine plural objects close to the speaker.

The Demonstrative Pronouns:

Ese (that) – Used for masculine singular objects that are farther from the speaker.

Esa (that) – Used for feminine singular objects farther from the speaker.

Esos (those) – Used for masculine plural objects farther from the speaker.

Esas (those) – Used for feminine plural objects farther from the speaker.

Aquel (that over there) – Used for masculine singular objects that are farthest away.

Aquella (that over there) – Used for feminine singular objects that are farthest away.

Aquellos (those over there) – Used for masculine plural objects that are farthest away.

Aquellas (those over there) – Used for feminine plural objects that are farthest away.

Lesson 2: Using Demonstrative Pronouns with Nouns

Demonstrative Pronouns with Nouns:

Este libro – This book

Esta casa – This house

Esos zapatos – Those shoes

Aquellas montañas – Those mountains over there

Important Notes:

Demonstrative pronouns always agree in gender and number with the nouns they replace.

When referring to objects or people close to the speaker, use “este,” “esta,” “estos,” and “estas.”

For objects that are further away, use “ese,” “esa,” “esos,” and “esas.”

For things very far away, use “aquel,” “aquella,” “aquellos,” and “aquellas.”

Lesson 3: Demonstrative Pronouns Uses

Demonstrative Pronouns Replacing Nouns:

Este me gusta. – I like this one. (Refers to a masculine singular object close to the speaker)

Esa es muy bonita. – That one is very beautiful. (Refers to a feminine singular object farther away)

Estos son caros. – These are expensive. (Refers to masculine plural objects close to the speaker)

Aquellas son más grandes. – Those (over there) are bigger. (Refers to feminine plural objects farthest away)

Using Demonstrative Pronouns in Questions:

¿Qué es esto? – What is this?

¿Cuánto cuesta esa? – How much does that one cost?

¿Tienes estos? – Do you have these?

¿Por qué prefieres aquellas? – Why do you prefer those (over there)?

Notes for Questions:

Demonstrative pronouns in questions allow the speaker to ask about specific items or people, referring to their proximity or distance.

Lesson 4: Demonstrative Pronouns for Location and Time

Demonstrative Pronouns for Location:

Esta tienda está cerca. – This store is nearby.

Esa ciudad está lejos. – That city is far away.

Aquella montaña está muy alta. – That mountain over there is very tall.

Demonstrative Pronouns for Time:

Este mes es muy ocupado. – This month is very busy.

Esa época fue difícil. – That time was difficult.

Aquellos días eran más tranquilos. – Those days were more peaceful.

End of Module Review

By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of how to use demonstrative pronouns in Spanish. You will be able to refer to objects and people with precision, whether they are close, far, or very far away. You will also be able to use these pronouns in both questions and statements, making it easier to express yourself when pointing out or referring to things in different contexts.