Gaining fluency in a new language often involves mastering small but essential phrases used in everyday conversations. One such phrase in English is “that one,” which refers to a specific object or person. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to express “that one” in Spanish, both formally and informally.
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Formal Ways to Say “That One” in Spanish
When communicating formally, it is important to use polite expressions. Here are several options for saying “that one” in Spanish in formal settings:
1. “Ese/Esa”
The most common way to say “that one” in formal Spanish is by using the demonstrative pronouns “ese” (masculine) or “esa” (feminine). These pronouns are used to point out something slightly distant from the speaker or the listener.
Example: Disculpe, ¿me podría pasar esa pluma? (Excuse me, could you pass me that pen?)
2. “Aquél/Aquella”
For objects or people located farther away from both the speaker and the listener, the demonstrative pronouns “aquél” (masculine) or “aquella” (feminine) are used.
Example: Por favor, tráigame aquel libro. (Please bring me that book over there.)
3. “El/La de allí”
An alternative way to express “that one” in a formal context is by using “el de allí” (masculine) or “la de allí” (feminine). This phrase translates to “the one over there” and refers to an object or person located at a distance.
Example: El menú de allí es más variado. (The menu over there is more diverse.)
Informal Ways to Say “That One” in Spanish
Informal conversations often call for less formal language. If you are in a casual setting, the following expressions can be used to say “that one” in Spanish:
1. “Ese/Esa”
Similar to the formal usage, “ese” (masculine) or “esa” (feminine) can also be used informally. This is the most versatile and commonly used expression for “that one” in everyday conversations.
Example: ¿Me puedes prestar esa guitarra? (Can you lend me that guitar?)
2. “Él/Ella”
Instead of using demonstrative pronouns, “él” (masculine) or “ella” (feminine) can be used to directly refer to a person.
Example: ¿Viste a él? Es un buen amigo mío. (Did you see him? He is a good friend of mine.)
3. “El/La de ahí”
When informally expressing “that one” at a nearby or accessible location, “el de ahí” (masculine) or “la de ahí” (feminine) can be used instead of the formal “de allí.”
Example: Quiero probar la pizza de ahí, dicen que es deliciosa. (I want to try the pizza from there, they say it’s delicious.)
Tips for Using “That One” in Spanish
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the formal and informal ways to say “that one” in Spanish, here are some additional tips to help you use these phrases accurately:
1. Pay Attention to Gender and Number
Spanish is a gendered language, so ensure that the pronoun you use matches the gender of the object or person you are referring to. Likewise, adjust the pronoun accordingly if you need to indicate more than one object (“those ones”).
2. Understand the Distance
Choose the appropriate phrase based on the distance between you, the listener, and the object or person being referred to. Use “ese/esa” for something relatively close, “aquél/aquella” for objects farther away, and “de allí” or “de ahí” for items or people located at a significant distance.
3. Practice Pronunciation
To effectively communicate, practice the correct pronunciation of the phrases. Pay attention to the emphasis and the nuances of the Spanish language to ensure clarity in your conversations.
Conclusion
Mastering everyday phrases like “that one” is an essential step towards becoming more fluent in Spanish. By familiarizing yourself with the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, paying attention to gender and distance, and practicing pronunciation, you will confidently navigate conversations while accurately referring to specific objects or individuals. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
