esta
/ˈesta/
In Spanish, esta means "this" or "it is".
It can act as a demonstrative adjective to refer to a specific feminine singular noun located near the speaker. For example, in the informal expression ¡está genial!, it is used to say "It's great!"
Which one should you use?
Use esta instead of este when the noun you are modifying is feminine. If you need to refer to multiple items, use the plural form estas (these).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of esta is estas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈesta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add an accent mark to write ésta when using the word as a pronoun. However, according to the RAE, an accent on the first syllable is no longer required.
Did you know?
- Spanish has a three-tiered system of distance for 'this', using esta for things very close, esa for things slightly further and aquella for things far away.
- The word esta is a close relative of the English word 'this', as both trace their origins back to the same Indo-European root for pointing things out.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear people use esta to refer to a person, which can sound overly objectifying or dismissive in English.
Examples in context
- Esta casa es muy hermosa.This house is very beautiful.
- Agradezco esta oportunidad.I appreciate this opportunity.
- ¡Esta amiga es muy talentosa!This friend [female] is very talented!
- ¡La película está genial!The movie is great!
- ¿Viste mi nuevo carro? ¡Está genial!Did you see my new car? It's great!
- Eso está bien, no te preocupes.That's fine, don't worry.
- esta manzana es muy dulce.This apple is very sweet.
- Me gusta esta canción.I like this song.
- Esta silla es bastante cómoda.This chair is quite comfortable.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at a gift in a shop.
- Mateo¿Te gusta esta bufanda?Do you like this scarf?
- LucíaSí, esta bufanda es perfecta.Yes, this scarf is perfect.
- MateoEs un regalo muy bonito para ella.It is a very pretty gift for her.
- LucíaTienes mucha razón, Mateo.You are very right, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry esta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
