este
/ˈeste/
The Spanish phrase for "this one" is este.
este is used to identify a specific person or thing among a group.
Which one should you use?
You should use este when referring to masculine objects, whereas you use esta for feminine objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to esta if the object being identified is a feminine noun. The plural masculine form is estos to mean "these ones". The plural feminine form is estas to mean "these ones".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeste/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to add an accent to este to distinguish it as a pronoun, but modern Spanish orthography rules generally omit the accent on este.
Did you know?
- The word este also means 'east' in Spanish, referring to the cardinal direction.
- When people use este… in conversation, it is often not an attempt to say 'this one' but is actually a filler word used while thinking, much like how English speakers say 'um'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you point at a person and say este, it can be used as a dismissive or derogatory way to say 'this guy'.
Examples in context
- Este no me gusta.I don't like this one.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for a specific item using este.Tatoeba #791706 by Shishir, translation #55765 by CK
- Me quedo con este.I'm going to keep this one.This sentence shows how to use este when deciding to keep an item.Tatoeba #7929888 by Seael, translation #7810992 by CK
- Este es más grande.This one is bigger.This sentence demonstrates using este to compare the size of objects.Tatoeba #4642562 by cueyayotl, translation #4397544 by CK
- Me gustaría comprar esteI would like to buy this one
- Quiero este vestido, por favorI want this dress, please
- Puedo quedarme con esta botella de vinoCan I keep this bottle of wine?
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are choosing a cake at a bakery.
- LucíaMira, Javier, ¿cuál quieres?Look, Javier, which one do you want?
- JavierPrefiero este, por favor.I prefer this one, please.
- Lucía¿Estás seguro de que este es el mejor?Are you sure this one is the best?
- JavierSí, este se ve delicioso.Yes, this one looks delicious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry este, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
