Adjetivos demostrativos
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Demonstrative adjectives (this, that) are used to indicate a specific noun or nouns. In Spanish, they must agree with the noun(s) in number and gender.
Por ejemplo…
Este árbol es bonito | This tree is cute. | |
Aquellas montañas son altas. | Those mountains are tall. |
Characteristics of demonstrative adjectives
- Used in place of an article, not with one
- Placed directly in front of a noun or an adjective + noun
- Agree with the demonstrated noun in number and sometimes gender
- Demonstrative adjective + noun can be replaced by a demonstrative pronoun
Spanish demonstrative adjectives
There are three sets of Spanish demonstrative adjectives:
- este – this (near the speaker)
- ese – that (near the listener)
- aquel – that (far from both the speaker and listener).
this | that | that (far) | ||||
masculine singular | este | ese | aquel | |||
feminine singular | esta | esa | aquella | |||
masculine plural | estos | esos | aquellos | |||
feminine plural | estas | esas | aquellas |
Because both ese and aquel mean "that," I’ve added phrases into the English translations in order to clarify the difference between these two demonstrative adjectives.
Este profesor habla mucho. | This teacher talks a lot. | |
Esa camisa es bonita. | That shirt (you’re wearing) is pretty. | |
Aquellos estudiantes no comprenden. | Those students (over there) don’t understand. | |
Esta chica está lista. | This girl is ready. | |
Esos libros son estúpidos. | Those books (you just picked up) are stupid. | |
Me gusta aquella casa. | I like that house (on the other side of the street). |
Note: Each set of Spanish demonstrative adjectives corresponds with at least adverb of place.
este | aquí or acá | here | |
ese | ahí | there | |
aquel | allí or allá | over there |
Demonstrative Adjectives Quizzes
Think you’ve got it? Test yourself on Spanish demonstrative adjectives:
* Note: You must be logged into your Progress with Lawless Spanish account to take this test. If you don’t have one, sign up – it’s free!
Related lessons
Spanish lesson plans
- Demonstrative Adjectives (PPT, 8th grade to higher ed)
- Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns (Lesson, 6th-12th grade)
En français
In italiano
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