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Estructuras clave 2 Demonstrative adjectives
and pronouns
Words such as this, that, these, and those, which we use to distinguish one noun from others like it
(this book, not that book), convey an element of distance from the speaker, or speakers. These are
called demonstrative adjectives. We think of this and these as indicating something either literally
or guratively close-by, and we think of that and those as indicating something farther away. One
pair of adjectives describes singular nouns (this/that), and another pair describes plural nouns
(these/those).
Demonstrative adjectives in Spanish work similarly. Just as in English, Spanish uses a singular
demonstrative adjective to distinguish a single noun (este libro), and a plural demonstrative
adjective to distinguish a plural noun (estos libros). Remember that in Spanish, however, the
adjective not only agrees with the noun in number, but also in gender. Another difference in
Spanish is a third level of proximity. Note the Spanish demonstrative adjectives in the chart
below and their usage in the examples.
Demonstrative adjectives
Noun Close Far Farther
rbol (masc. sing.) este rbol ese rbol aquel rbol
silla (fem. sing.) esta silla esa silla aquella silla
rboles (masc. pl.) estos rboles esos rboles aquellos rboles
sillas (fem. pl.) estas sillas esas sillas aquellas sillas
Estas montaas son ms altas que esas These mountains are higher than those mountains.
montaas.
Esas palmeras crecen ms rpido que Those palm trees (over there) grow faster than
aquellos pinos. those pine trees (way over there).
Once its known what nouns were talking about, we often use expressions such as this one, these,
that one, and those instead of naming the noun each time we mention it. Spanish does this with
demonstrative pronouns. Demonstrative pronouns look exactly like the demonstrative adjectives
only they are not followed by a noun, they replace the noun. The noun has to be established
prior the demonstrative pronouns use. As you see, the number (singular/plural) and the gender
(masculine/feminine) of the demonstrative pronoun used depends on the number and gender of
the noun it replaces.
Necesitamos plantar este rbol, no ese. We need to plant this tree not that one.
Esta pelcula me gusta, esa no. I like this movie, not that one.
Preero aquellos rboles y t I like those trees and you like these.
preeres estos.
To refer to a whole concept, idea, situation, etc. (i.e. That really bothers me) or to refer to a noun
whose nature is unknown (i.e. Whats that in your hand?), Spanish uses what are called the
neuter demonstrative pronouns esto, eso, and aquello.
Hace sol y est despejado. Eso me gusta. Its sunny and clear. I like that.
Qu es aquello al lado del rbol? What is that over by the tree? I cant see
No veo bien. well.
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