Like learning to say “that” in Spanish, mastering “this” in Spanish depends on understanding demonstrative adjectives in Spanish. Knowing how to use este, esta, and esto will help you confidently point out objects, identify people, give directions, and more.
Table of Contents
Este
Este translates as “this” to refer to a singular, masculine object or person that isn’t far from the speaker. You could use este to point out various Spanish nouns while shopping with a friend:
- Este vestido es hermoso. = This dress is beautiful.
- Me encanta este traje de baño. = I love this bathing suit.
To refer to singular, masculine objects away from the speaker, you’ll need to use the demonstrative adjective ese (that).
Esta
You’ll use esta to point out a feminine object or person that isn’t far from the person speaking. For example, you would use the demonstrative adjective esta along with a Spanish possessive adjective when identifying your female family members.
- Esta es Luisa, mi hermana mayor. = This is Luisa, my older sister.
- Esta es mi abuela. = This is my grandmother.
Esto
To refer to an object with an unknown gender or an abstract idea, use the neuter demonstrative pronoun esto for “this.” You’ll hear this word used frequently in the phrase esto es, which means “this is” in Spanish.
- Escucha. Esto es importante. = Listen up. This is important.
- Esto es para ti. = This is for you.
You’ll also hear esto used in the common question “What is this?” in Spanish.
- ¿Qué es esto? Nunca he visto tal cosa. = What is this? I’ve never seen such a thing.
How do you say ‘these’ in Spanish?
You’ll also want to know how to say “these” in Spanish to refer to plural objects or multiple people close to the speaker.
Estos
When referring to masculine plural objects near the speaker, use estos, the plural of este. Similar to other Spanish adjectives, demonstratives must agree with the number they modify in gender and number.
For example, you will find the demonstrative adjective estos useful when expressing preferences about plural objects:
- Me gustan más estos zapatos. = I like these shoes more.
- Prefiero estos postres. = I prefer these desserts.
Estas
Estas, the plural of esta, is used for nearby feminine plural objects.
- ¿De quién son estas llaves? = Whose are these keys?
- Estas flores huelen a chocolate blanco. = These flowers smell like white chocolate.
Other ways to say ‘this’ in Spanish
Now you know all the ways to say “this” as an adjective, but how do you say “this” in Spanish when it’s not describing a noun? Learn how to use Spanish adverbs to express “this” in a more general way.
Así
To indicate a manner or way of doing something, use así.
- Hazlo así. = Do it like this.
Tan
Adverbs, an essential Spanish part of speech, can be used to modify an adjective. Here’s how the adverb tan is used to express “this” when emphasizing degree or intensity.
- Nunca he sido tan feliz. = I’ve never been this happy.
Put ‘this’ into practice with Rosetta Stone
“This” in Spanish is fundamental to everyday conversations, allowing you to point out objects and people around you. To practice, try using the different translations for “this” when talking to a Spanish-speaking friend or Rosetta Stone Tutor who can help you put what you’ve just learned into practice. For instance, they might ask, ¿Quién es esta persona en la foto? (Who is this person in the photo?) to test your understanding of demonstrative adjectives.
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