Demonstrative Adjectives

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

1. Used in place of an article, not with one
2. Placed directly in front of a noun or an adjective + noun
3. Agree with the demonstrated noun in number and sometimes gender
4. Demonstrative adjective + noun can be replaced by a demonstrative pronoun

Spanish demonstrative adjectives

There are three sets of Spanish demonstrative adjectives:

1. este – this (near the speaker)
2. ese – that (near the listener)
3. 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:

• Micro kwiz
• Un viaje a Egipto*

* 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

• Demonstrative pronouns
• Introduction to adjectives
• PwLS super list of adjective lessons
   

 Spanish lesson plans

• Demonstrative Adjectives (PPT, 8th grade to higher ed)
• Demonstrative Adjectives and Pronouns (Lesson, 6th-12th grade)
   

 En français

• Adjectifs démonstratifs
   

 In italiano

• Aggettivi dimostrativi
   

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