este/esta/estos/estas
Demonstrative Adjectives (Near)
These words mean 'this' and 'these' and point to things close to you.
How It Works
Demonstrative adjectives are words we use to point things out. In English, we use 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those'.
Spanish has three sets of these words based on distance from the speaker. The este/esta/estos/estas group is used for things that are physically close to the person speaking—things you could touch or are right next to you.
A key rule in Spanish is that adjectives must match the noun they describe. This is called adjective agreement. Demonstrative adjectives are no exception. They must match the noun's gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
Here's the breakdown for things 'here' (close to the speaker):
- este: for singular, masculine nouns (this)
- esta: for singular, feminine nouns (this)
- estos: for plural, masculine nouns (these)
- estas: for plural, feminine nouns (these)
To use them correctly, you need to know the gender of the noun and its plural form.
The other two sets are 'ese' and its forms (for 'that'/'those' near the listener) and 'aquel' and its forms (for 'that'/'those' far from both people).
Examples (4)
- Este libro es interesante.
This book is interesting.
Word by Word: This book is interesting.
'Libro' is a singular, masculine noun, so we use 'este'.
- Esta casa es grande.
This house is big.
Word by Word: This house is big.
'Casa' is a singular, feminine noun, so we use 'esta'.
- Estos zapatos son nuevos.
These shoes are new.
Word by Word: These shoes are new.
'Zapatos' is a plural, masculine noun, so we use 'estos'.
- Estas flores son bonitas.
These flowers are beautiful.
Word by Word: These flowers are beautiful.
'Flores' is a plural, feminine noun, so we use 'estas'.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong gender form.
Me gusta este falda.Me gusta esta falda.The noun 'falda' (skirt) is feminine, so it requires the feminine demonstrative 'esta', not the masculine 'este'.
Using a singular form for a plural noun.
Quiero este zapatos.Quiero estos zapatos.The noun 'zapatos' (shoes) is plural, so it requires the plural demonstrative 'estos', not the singular 'este'.
Related Patterns
- el/la/los/lasDefinite Articles
While demonstratives point out a specific item ('this book'), definite articles refer to a specific item already known to the speakers ('the book'). Both must agree with the noun's gender and number.
Foundations - un/una/unos/unasIndefinite Articles
Contrasts with demonstratives by referring to a non-specific item ('a book') instead of pointing to a specific one ('this book'). These also agree in gender and number.
Foundations - mi/tu/su/nuestro/vuestroPossessive Adjectives
Like demonstratives, possessive adjectives also precede the noun. They specify ownership ('my book') rather than location ('this book').
Foundations
Words in This Pattern
Practice este/esta/estos/estas in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Spanish lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
