< Index

Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns

Demonstrative adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives modify a noun by "demonstrating" or singling out their relationship to the speaker. See the forms below.

Singular

this (near speaker): este (masculine) / esta (feminine)
that (away from speaker): ese (masculine) / esa (feminine)
that (in the distance): aquel (masculine) / aquella (feminine)

Plural

these (near speaker): estos (masculine) / estas (feminine)
those (away from speaker): esos (masculine) / esas (feminine)
those (in the distance): aquellos (masculine) / aquellas (feminine)

Observe a summary of the uses of the demonstrative adjective:

(1) When the reference is close to the speaker one uses este or a variation thereof.

(2) When the reference is closer to the addressee or further from the speaker in time or space than in #1, one uses ese or a variation thereof.

(3) When the reference is relatively distant from the speaker in time or space one uses aquel or a variation thereof.

Demonstrative pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives have nearly the same forms and often appear indistinguishable at first glance. The only difference is that demonstrative pronouns require an accent mark on most forms.

Singular

this [one (near speaker)]: éste (masculine) / ésta (feminine)
that [one (away from speaker)]: ése (masculine) / ésa (feminine)
that [one (in the distance)]: aquél (masculine) / aquélla (feminine)

Plural

these [ones (near speaker)]: éstos (masculine) / éstas (feminine)
those [ones (away from speaker)]: ésos (masculine) / ésas (feminine)
those [ones (in the distance)]: aquéllos (masculine) / aquéllas (feminine)

Examples:

One should also note that there are neuter forms of the demonstrative pronoun as well. These pronouns refer to an idea or a concept, such as That is something I would like to see or Me gustaría ver eso.

The forms are esto, eso and aquello. None of them has an accent mark.

See also

Adjectives
Pronouns