If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve likely noticed that some English words have multiple Spanish translations. For example, the English demonstrative adjective “that,” which points out a specific noun and indicates its location relative to the speaker, translates to ese or aquel in Spanish, depending on the object’s proximity.
The Spanish demonstrative adjectives este, ese, and aquel are important Spanish words, proving invaluable in everyday situations like shopping, asking for directions, and ordering food in Spanish.
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What are adjetivos demonstrativos (demonstrative adjectives)?
From describing characteristics with descriptive adjectives to establishing ownership with possessive adjectives in Spanish, every adjective type serves a unique purpose. Distinct from other kinds of adjectives, demonstrative adjectives pinpoint the location of a specific noun in relation to the speaker.
Demonstrative adjectives help enhance the clarity of a conversation by specifying the proximity or distance of a noun to the speaker(s) and listener(s),
Compare the following sentences:
- Me gusta la bufanda. = I like the scarf.
- Me gusta esa bufanda. = I like that scarf.
The first sentence, which lacks a demonstrative adjective, is a general statement. The speaker could be talking about any scarf in general, without pointing out a specific one. The second sentence is more specific because the demonstrative adjective esa identifies a particular scarf.
The 3 types of demonstrative adjectives in Spanish
There are 12 demonstrative adjectives in Spanish that can be categorized in three distinct groups, based on the object’s distance from the speaker.
“This” and “these” in Spanish
To refer to a noun that’s close to the speaker, use the following demonstrative adjectives:
| Gender and Number | Spanish Demonstrative Adjective | English Demonstrative Adjective |
| Masculine singular | este | this |
| Feminine singular | esta | this |
| Masculine plural | estos | these |
| Feminine Plural | estas | these |
When shopping at a supermarket in Spain, for example, you could use these demonstrative adjectives to point out items close to you.
- Este melocotón está pasado. = This peach is rotten.
- ¿Cuánto cuesta esta mermelada? = How much is this jam?
- Estos arándanos no son orgánicos. = These blueberries aren’t organic.
- Estas frutas están a mitad de precio. = These fruits are half off.
“That” and “those” in Spanish
To point out a person or object that is away from the speaker but close to the listener, use the following demonstrative adjectives:
| Gender and Number | Spanish Demonstrative Adjective | English Demonstrative Adjective |
| Masculine singular | ese | that |
| Feminine singular | esa | that |
| Masculine plural | esos | those |
| Feminine Plural | esas | those |
Imagine you’re admiring artwork at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City. You could use demonstrative adjectives to create conversation about the works of art that surround you.
- Ese cuadro de Diego Rivera es una obra maestra. = That Diego Rivera painting is a masterpiece.
- Me encanta esa pintura. = I love that painting.
- Frida usaba esos vestidos de tehuana para ocultar su pierna derecha. = Frida wore those Tehuana dresses to hide her right leg.
- Esas fotos pertenecían a Frida. = Those photos belonged to Frida.
“That” and “those” (over there) in Spanish
To point out a noun that’s farther away from the speaker and listener, use the following demonstrative adjectives:
| Gender and Number | Spanish Demonstrative Adjective | English Demonstrative Adjective |
| Masculine singular | aquel | that |
| Feminine singular | aquella | that |
| Masculine plural | aquellos | those |
| Feminine Plural | aquellas | those |
While traveling through Peru, one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries, you would find demonstrative adjectives invaluable for commenting on the stunning landscapes that you see in the distance.
- Mira aquel volcán majestuoso. = Look at that majestic volcano.
- Aquella cascada es impresionante. = That waterfall is spectacular.
- Aquellos acantilados ofrecen unas vistas increíbles = Those cliffs offer incredible views.
- Aquellas montañas son simplemente asombrosas. = Those mountains are simply breathtaking.
How to use Spanish demonstrative adjectives
These three steps will help you use demonstrative adjectives correctly.
1. Select the appropriate demonstrative adjective group
The first step in selecting the correct demonstrative adjective is determining the correct demonstrative adjective group. Which group you choose depends on whether the noun in question is near, less near, or farther away from the speaker.
Review the following chart to help visualize the groups.
| Distance From the Speaker in Spanish | English Equivalent | Demonstrative Adjective Group |
| aquí/acá | here | este, esta, estos, estas |
| allí | there | ese, esa, esos, esas |
| allá | over there | aquel, aquella, aquellos, aquellas |
2. Choose the appropriate adjective ending
One of the first skills you learn when studying Spanish is how to describe yourself with the verb ser (to be) followed by an adjective—for example, soy alto (I am tall). If you remember that you have to change alto to alta if you’re female, you’re already familiar with the core Spanish grammar rule of adjective agreement.
Just like with other types of adjectives, demonstrative adjectives in Spanish agree with the noun’s gender (masculine or feminine). Spanish gender rules dictate that every noun has a gender. Nouns that end in “o” are typically masculine and nouns that end in “a” are typically feminine. Many nouns don’t follow this general rule, so it’s essential to consult a reliable Spanish dictionary to confirm the gender of any noun before selecting the appropriate demonstrative adjective ending.
Demonstrative adjectives must also agree with the noun in number (singular or plural). Make special note of the masculine plural versions of este and ese, however, as they do not follow the typical pattern of adding an “-s” to the end of a singular adjective. The masculine plural forms of este and ese are estos and esos, respectively.
3. Place the demonstrative adjective in front of the noun
Adjective placement in Spanish can vary significantly depending on the adjective type. While descriptive adjectives like grande (big) and pequeño (small) typically follow the noun they modify, demonstrative adjectives must always precede Spanish nouns.
When to use demonstrative adjectives in Spanish
Imagine you’re at a restaurant in Spain, immersed in the sounds of Flamenco drifting from the streets, eager to savor the local cuisine. Although developing basic Spanish vocabulary is an essential part of how to learn Spanish, you’ll need more than Spanish food words to navigate the scene. Mastering demonstrative adjectives like este, ese, and aquel is key to successfully interacting with staff and fellow diners and discussing your preferences.
Demonstrative adjectives in Spanish have endless applications and serve three primary purposes.
Point out specific people or objects
Need to single out a specific person or object? Demonstratives are your go-to Spanish adjectives for the job. For example, you could use demonstrative adjectives at a restaurant to refer to different drinks or dishes you are enjoying.
- Esta sopa está riquísima. = This soup is very tasty.
- Prueba estas croquetas. Están deliciosas. = Try these croquettes. They are delicious.
Help clarify the noun in question
Demonstrative adjectives in Spanish help clarify which person or object is being referred to, based on distance from the speaker.
For example, you could use demonstrative adjectives at a restaurant to clarify which waiter you are referring to or which table you would like to be seated at.
- ¿Podrías decirle a aquel camarero allá que nos traiga la cuenta? = Could you tell that waiter over there to bring us the check?
- ¿Nos podemos sentar en esa mesa de allí? = Can we sit at that table there?
Express emphasis or contrast
Demonstrative adjectives can be used to emphasize a statement about a particular object or contrast it with others.
For example:
- Quiero este vino, no aquel. = I want this wine, not that one.
- Esta paella es la mejor que he probado. = This paella is the best I’ve ever tasted.
Demonstrative adjectives vs. demonstrative pronouns
Interestingly, demonstrative adjectives in Spanish can also be used as demonstrative pronouns! By understanding these words as both adjectives and pronouns, you’ll accelerate your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of Spanish grammar.
Spanish demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives are both used to point out specific nouns, however, demonstrative pronouns replace nouns while demonstrative adjectives modify them. For example:
- Este vestido es mi favorito. = This dress is my favorite.
- Este es mi vestido favorito. = This is my favorite dress.
In the first example, este is a demonstrative adjective. It modifies the noun vestido, describing which specific dress the speaker is referring to. In the second example, este is a demonstrative pronoun that replaces vestido to reduce repetition.
Unlock the power of demonstrative adjectives with Rosetta Stone
Demonstrative adjectives are a powerful tool for adding clarity to everyday Spanish conversations. Using este, ese, aquel, and their corresponding forms can significantly enhance your communication, but they’re not effective alone.
To effectively use demonstrative adjectives, a strong vocabulary is essential. If traditional flashcards and vocabulary lists don’t work for you, try Rosetta Stone Live Lessons. These interactive livestream language classes offer a fun and engaging way to learn relevant vocabulary while providing practice using sentence structure with adjectives, verbs, and other key parts of speech in Spanish.
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