demonstratives

Demonstrative Adjectives in Spanish

Spanish demonstrative adjectives are words used to point out specific people, places, or things. They indicate exactly where the noun is located relative to the speaker and the listener. Unlike English, which essentially has two distances (this vs. that), Spanish uses a three-tiered system based on proximity.

These adjectives must always precede the noun and must match that noun in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).

1. Close to the Speaker (This / These)

Use these forms for items physically within reach, in the immediate present time, or emotionally close to you. They are often associated with the adverb aquí (here).

• Este (Masculine Singular)
  Este coche es rápido. (This car is fast.)
• Esta (Feminine Singular)
  Esta casa es nueva. (This house is new.)
• Estos (Masculine Plural)
  Estos zapatos son cómodos. (These shoes are comfortable.)
• Estas (Feminine Plural)
  Estas manzanas están ricas. (These apples are delicious.)

2. Medium Distance / Close to the Listener (That / Those)

Use these forms for things that are a short distance away, often near the person you are talking to. They correspond to the adverb ahí (there, near you).

• Ese (Masculine Singular)
  Pásame ese bolígrafo. (Pass me that pen.)
• Esa (Feminine Singular)
  Me gusta esa camisa. (I like that shirt.)
• Esos (Masculine Plural)
  Esos chicos son mis amigos. (Those boys are my friends.)
• Esas (Feminine Plural)
  Esas ideas son interesantes. (Those ideas are interesting.)

3. Far Away (That over there / Those over there)

Use these forms for things far from both the speaker and the listener. They imply remoteness in physical space or time (nostalgia). They are associated with the adverbs allí or allá (over there).

• Aquel (Masculine Singular)
  Aquel edificio es el museo. (That building over there is the museum.)
• Aquella (Feminine Singular)
  Recuerdo aquella tarde de verano. (I remember that summer afternoon.)
• Aquellos (Masculine Plural)
  Mira aquellos pájaros en el cielo. (Look at those birds in the sky.)
• Aquellas (Feminine Plural)
  Aquellas mujeres son abogadas. (Those women over there are lawyers.)

Important Nuances

While demonstratives typically come before the noun, placing forms like ese or este after the noun can change the tone. This usage often adds an emotional layer—either affectionate or dismissive/pejorative—depending on the context and intonation.

• El chico este no para de hablar. (This guy just won't stop talking.) — Dismissive/Annoyed