Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. One common word that you’ll frequently come across in Spanish is “that.” In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to express “that” in Spanish, including formal and informal alternatives. While we highlight regional variations when necessary, our focus will be on standard Spanish. So, let’s dive in and explore the different ways to say “that” in Spanish!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “That” in Spanish:
In formal contexts, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are a few ways to say “that” formally in Spanish:
a) Ese/Esa
In formal Spanish, “that” can be translated as “ese” for masculine nouns and “esa” for feminine nouns. These words agree with the gender of the noun they refer to:
El libro ese es muy interesante. (That book is very interesting.)
La película esa es excelente. (That movie is excellent.)
b) Aquel/Aquella
“Aquel” and “aquella” are also used in formal Spanish to convey “that,” but they imply a greater distance from the speaker:
Aquel cuadro es una obra maestra. (That painting is a masterpiece.)
Aquella casa es muy grande. (That house is very big.)
c) El/la mencionado(a)
Another way to express “that” formally is by using “el mencionado” for masculine nouns and “la mencionada” for feminine nouns. This choice explicitly refers to something previously mentioned:
El proyecto el mencionado debe ser finalizado. (That project must be finished.)
La reunión la mencionada se llevará a cabo mañana. (That meeting will take place tomorrow.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “That” in Spanish:
When speaking informally or with friends, you have more flexibility in expressing “that” in Spanish. Let’s explore some alternatives:
a) Eso
“Eso” is a commonly used informal term for “that” in Spanish. It works for both masculine and feminine nouns:
Eso está muy lejos. (That is very far.)
Eso es increíble. (That is incredible.)
b) Ese/Esa
Similar to formal language, “ese” and “esa” can also be used informally. These terms are widely used in everyday conversations:
Ese carro es genial. (That car is awesome.)
Esa canción es pegajosa. (That song is catchy.)
c) El/la susodicho(a)
In informal contexts, you can replace “el/la mencionado(a)” with “el/la susodicho(a)” to refer to something previously mentioned:
El chico el susodicho es mi hermano. (That boy is my brother.)
La mesa la susodicha está sucia. (That table is dirty.)
3. Spanish Regional Variations:
The Spanish language encompasses a rich variety of regional dialects and expressions. While it’s important to learn standard Spanish, understanding regional variations can enhance your linguistic skills. Here are a couple of regional alternatives for expressing “that” in Spanish:
a) “Eso” Becomes “Eso Allá”
In some Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean, you may hear “eso allá” instead of just “eso” to specifically refer to something over there:
Eso allá es muy bonito. (That over there is very beautiful.)
b) “Ese” Becomes “Eso” (And Vice Versa)
In certain regions of Southern Spain and Latin America, there is a common variation where “ese” is used instead of “eso” and vice versa:
Ese libro está interesante. (That book is interesting.)
Eso es absurdo. (That is absurd.)
4. Tips for Using “That” in Spanish:
To ensure accurate usage of “that” in Spanish, consider the following tips:
- Pay attention to the gender of the noun you are referring to when using “ese” or “esa.”
- Use “ese” or “esa” when “that” is closer to the speaker and “aquel” or “aquella” when it is farther away.
- Remember that “el mencionado” or “la mencionada” explicitly refers to something already mentioned.
- Choose “eso” for informal contexts, regardless of the gender of the noun.
- Feel free to use regional variations when appropriate, but prioritize learning standard Spanish first.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to express “that” in Spanish! You’ve learned a range of formal and informal alternatives, as well as a few regional variations. By practicing and incorporating these different ways of saying “that” into your Spanish conversations, you’ll gradually become more fluent and confident in your language skills. Keep exploring and enjoy your journey to mastering the Spanish language!
