Grammar
Spanish demonstratives: este, ese and aquel
Learn Spanish demonstratives este, ese, aquel and their feminine and plural forms.
Spanish demonstratives show distance: near me, near you or farther away.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| este | este libro | this book | near me |
| esta | esta mesa | this table | feminine near me |
| ese | ese coche | that car | near you or not too far |
| esa | esa casa | that house | feminine |
| aquel | aquel edificio | that building over there | farther away |
| aquellas | aquellas montañas | those mountains over there | feminine plural far |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using one “that” for all distancesSpanish distinguishes ese and aquel.
- Forgetting agreementSay “estas preguntas”, not “este preguntas”.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.