Demonstratives help you identify which person or thing you mean and can express relative distance.
The idea
Before a noun, este/esta/estos/estas often points to something near the speaker; ese/esa/esos/esas can point farther away or near the listener. Aquel/aquella/aquellos/aquellas can indicate greater distance. Match the form to the noun: esta mochila, estos zapatos.
Examples
- Este libro es interesante.This book is interesting.
- Esta mochila es mía.This backpack is mine.
- Estos zapatos son cómodos.These shoes are comfortable.
- Esas casas son antiguas.Those houses are old.
- Prefiero esa camisa.I prefer that shirt.
- Aquella montaña está lejos.That mountain over there is far away.
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Watch out
Distance is interpreted in context and can refer to time or discourse, not only physical space. Standard demonstratives are written without an accent.
Try it yourself
___ libro es interesante. (Este / Esta)
Show answer or example answer
Este
Masculine singular libro takes este.
___ mochila es mía. (Esta / Estos)
Show answer or example answer
Esta
Feminine singular mochila takes esta.
___ zapatos son cómodos. (Estos / Esa)
Show answer or example answer
Estos
Masculine plural zapatos takes estos.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
___ libro es interesante. (Este / Esta)
___ mochila es mía. (Esta / Estos)
___ zapatos son cómodos. (Estos / Esa)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Point to a nearby object and a more distant one; describe each with a matching demonstrative.