Understanding Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns
Introduction: What’s That Over There?
Imagine you're exploring a bustling market in Madrid. You spot a beautiful leather bag at a vendor’s stall and want to ask about it. But how do you say, “How much is this?” in Spanish? If you get confused between este, ese, and aquel, you're not alone! Spanish demonstrative adjectives and pronouns can be tricky for learners, but they are essential for clear communication.
Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns help us specify which object we’re talking about in relation to the speaker. In English, we use “this,” “that,” and “those.” But Spanish takes it a step further by distinguishing between objects that are close, farther away, and very far away from the speaker.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to use, differentiate, and master Spanish demonstratives, so you never have to second-guess yourself again. Plus, we’ll provide plenty of real-life examples, practical tips, and exercises to reinforce your learning.
1. What Are Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives?
Defining Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives describe a noun and indicate how close or far away something is. In Spanish, these adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify.
English Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural
This este esta estos estas That ese esa esos esas That (over there) aquel aquella aquellos aquellas
Example Sentences:
✅ Quiero comprar este coche. (I want to buy this car.)
✅ Me gusta esa camisa. (I like that shirt.)
✅ Aquellos libros son interesantes. (Those books over there are interesting.)
For more on Spanish adjectives, check out our comprehensive adjective guide.
2. When to Use Each Demonstrative Adjective
1. Este, Esta, Estos, Estas (This/These - Close to Speaker)
Use este, esta, estos, estas when the object is near you.
✅ Este reloj es nuevo. (This watch is new.)
✅ Estas flores son hermosas. (These flowers are beautiful.)
2. Ese, Esa, Esos, Esas (That/Those - Close to Listener)
Use ese, esa, esos, esas when the object is closer to the listener.
✅ Ese café está delicioso. (That coffee is delicious.)
✅ Esas sillas son cómodas. (Those chairs are comfortable.)
3. Aquel, Aquella, Aquellos, Aquellas (That/Those Over There - Far from Both)
Use aquel, aquella, aquellos, aquellas when the object is far from both the speaker and listener.
✅ Aquel edificio es antiguo. (That building over there is old.)
✅ Aquellas montañas son impresionantes. (Those mountains over there are impressive.)
Want more practice? Check out our Spanish sentence structure guide.
3. What Are Spanish Demonstrative Pronouns?
Pronoun Forms
Demonstrative pronouns replace a noun instead of modifying it.
English Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Masculine PluralFeminine Plural
This one éste ésta éstos éstas
That one ése ésa ésos ésas
That one over there aquél aquélla aquéllos aquéllas
Key Difference: Accents!
Previously, demonstrative pronouns had an accent mark (éste, ése, aquél), but in modern Spanish, the accent is often omitted unless needed for clarity.
✅ Me gusta este coche, pero prefiero ese. (I like this car, but I prefer that one.)
✅ Las camisas son bonitas, pero prefiero aquellas. (The shirts are nice, but I prefer those over there.)
4. Common Mistakes with Demonstratives
1. Confusing Adjectives and Pronouns
❌ Me gusta ésta casa. (Incorrect – “esta” is an adjective, no accent needed.)
✅ Me gusta esta casa. (Correct – adjective modifying “casa.”)
2. Forgetting Agreement in Gender and Number
❌ Ese mesas son grandes. (Incorrect – “ese” should be “esas.”)
✅ Esas mesas son grandes. (Correct – matches “mesas.”)
5. How to Practice and Master Demonstratives
✅ Label Objects Around You – Place sticky notes on items using este/ese/aquel to reinforce meaning.
✅ Watch Spanish Media – Listen for demonstratives in movies and TV shows.
✅ Practice with Flashcards – Use images and write este, ese, or aquel.
✅ Try Conversational Exercises – Ask questions like ¿Prefieres esta camisa o esa? (Do you prefer this shirt or that one?)
Conclusion: Become a Pro at Spanish Demonstratives!
By understanding and practicing Spanish demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, you’ll gain confidence in describing objects clearly and naturally. Whether you’re shopping in Spain, describing a memory, or pointing something out in a conversation, mastering these words will help you sound more fluent.
Want more expert Spanish grammar tips? Visit Polyglottist Language Academy’s blog for in-depth lessons and resources!