This and That in Spanish: The Anti-Confusion Guide

AdrianAdrian in Basic Grammar
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This and that in Spanish are pretty straight forward – it’s just like using this, these, that, and those in English.

The only difference is there are three versions of each. First, take a look, then I’ll explain:

Form Cerca (close) Lejos (far)
Singular Esto, esta, este (this) Eso, esa, ese (that)
Plural Estos, estas (these) Esos, esas (those)

Notice that some end in “o”.

For singulars, when it ends in “o” is for when you don’t mention the specific object, or are speaking in general. This is the neutral version.

For plurals, it’s both the masculine and the general form (you don’t say “eses” for instance, that means excrement). There are no forms ending in “e” for plurals.

For both plural and feminine, if you are mentioning a specific object, you need to use either the feminine or masculine version. So for instance:

  • “este edificio” (this building) – “edificio” is a masculine word, so we use “este”
  • “estos edificios” (these buildings) – remember to match plural/singular
  • “esa cama” (that bed) – “cama” is a feminine word, so we use “esa”
  • “eso” (that / right) – “eso” isn’t mentioning a specific object. Instead, it’s just referring to “that” in general. It is also used as a general confirmative (like “yep”) in many countries, like Colombia.

Examples

  • Esto es está delicioso – This is delicious. (we use “esto” because we don’t mention what is delicious specifically)
  • Esta ensalada es saludable. – This salad is healthy

 

  • Esa es tu casa – That is your house.
  • Ese postre es muy dulce. – That dessert is too sweet.

 

  • Estas son mis flores – These are my flowers.
  • Estos zapatos me gustan. – I like these shoes.

 

  • ¿Esos son tus amigos? – Are those your friends?
  • Esas personas están corriendo. – Those people are running.

This and That in Spanish Practice

Let’s get in some practice. If you want practice beyond this exercise, click here and you’ll get access to our private flashcards for free.

Pick the right answer:

1. _____ carro es muy viejo.
A light blue vintage car parked next to a weathered orange building with a green door and closed windows. The street has cobblestones, and there are street signs visible.

  • Esto.
  • Esta.
  • Estos.
  • Estas.
  • Ese.

2. _______ vegetales están frescos.
A person's hand holding a knife, preparing chopped vegetables, including green and red bell peppers, yellow bell pepper, and onions, on a cutting board. Ground meat is visible in the background.

  • Esa.
  • Esos.
  • Esas
  • Estos.
  • Estas.

3. ________ silla esta reservada para mi madre.
Three women sitting in chairs in a shaded outdoor area, one holding a drink. The background features a brick wall and wooden fencing, with greenery visible above.

  • Esto.
  • Esta.
  • Estos.
  • Esa.
  • Esos.

4. __________ personas están esperando algo.
Students gathered outside Oneonta High School, standing on the steps. Two students are standing on the left, while another is positioned on the right. The school building is brick with large windows and a sign above the entrance.

  • Esa.
  • Esos.
  • Esas.
  • Estos.
  • Estas

5. _______ langostinos se ven deliciosos.

A plate of cooked shrimp topped with herbs and a drizzle of sauce, served with a fork on a cloth napkin.

  • Esas.
  • Estos.
  • Estas.
  • Esa.

Key:

  1. Ese
  2. Estos
  3. Esta
  4. Esas
  5. Estos

That’s all – if you’re confused still, leave a comment and we’ll help explain!

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