Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “this” and “that” in Spanish! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your vocabulary, understanding how to express these common words in Spanish is essential. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of saying “this” and “that” and provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal and Informal Ways of Saying “This” and “That”
In Spanish, there are different words and expressions to convey the meanings of “this” and “that” based on formality and distance. Let’s explore the formal and informal ways of expressing these words:
1. Formal:
When addressing someone formally or referring to something distant, you can use the following:
- Esto – Use “esto” to refer to something abstract or unknown. For example, “Esto es hermoso” means “This is beautiful.”
- Eso – Use “eso” to indicate something that is further away or referred to in an abstract manner. For instance, “Eso es importante” means “That is important.”
- Aquello – Employ “aquello” to refer to something further away or less specific. For example, “Aquello me sorprende” translates to “That surprises me.”
2. Informal:
When speaking informally or referring to something or someone close, you can use the following:
- Este – Use “este” to refer to something or someone close to the speaker. For example, “Este libro es interesante” means “This book is interesting.”
- Ese – Use “ese” to indicate something that is close to the listener. For instance, “Ese coche es rápido” means “That car is fast.”
- Aquel – Employ “aquel” to refer to something or someone distant from both the speaker and the listener. For example, “Aquellos árboles son altos” translates to “Those trees are tall.”
Regional Variations and Tips
While the formal and informal ways of saying “this” and “that” are generally understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there are some regional variations that you might come across. Here are a few examples:
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico, “ese” can also be used to refer to something close to the speaker, similar to “este” in its informal form.
Now, here are some useful tips to enhance your understanding and usage of “this” and “that” in Spanish:
1. Gender and Number Agreement:
Remember that these words, like most adjectives in Spanish, need to agree with the gender and number of the noun they refer to. For example:
- “Este coche” (masculine singular) means “This car.”
- “Esta casa” (feminine singular) means “This house.”
- “Estos libros” (masculine plural) means “These books.”
- “Estas flores” (feminine plural) means “These flowers.”
2. Practice with Real-Life Examples:
The best way to solidify your understanding of how to say “this” and “that” in Spanish is through practice. Try constructing sentences using various examples you encounter in your daily life.
3. Context Matters:
Remember that the usage of “this” and “that” can be influenced by the context of the conversation. Pay attention to who you are speaking to and what you are referring to.
4. Use Gestures and Pointing:
In situations where verbal communication may be challenging, gestures and pointing can help reinforce the meaning of “this” and “that.” These non-verbal cues can facilitate understanding.
5. Embrace Mistakes:
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes while practicing. Learning a new language is a journey, and making errors is a natural part of the process. Embrace them as opportunities to improve.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “this” and “that” in Spanish. We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary tools, examples, and tips to confidently express these common words in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to practice regularly to reinforce your understanding, and don’t be afraid to seek additional resources for further practice. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
