Este, Ese, Estos, Esos (This, That, These, Those)
señalar cosas. Recuerda: cerca o lejos, y uno o varios.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'this' and 'these' for things close to you, and 'that' and 'those' for things further away.
- Use 'this' for one thing nearby: 'This apple is sweet.'
- Use 'that' for one thing far away: 'That car is fast.'
- Use 'these' (near) and 'those' (far) for more than one item: 'Those stars are bright.'
Overview
Quiero ese. Hacemos esto todos los días.this, that, these y those.The phone that is currently in my hand is ringingen lugar de simplemente
This phone is ringingthis. Si tienes que cruzar la habitación para agarrarlo, probablemente sea that. También manejan las matemáticas.How This Grammar Works
- Physical Distance: Este es el uso más común. Si estás sosteniendo tu taza de Starbucks, es
thiscoffee. Si tu amigo está sosteniendo su taza al otro lado de la mesa, esthatcoffee. - Time Distance: ¡También usamos esto para el tiempo! Las cosas que suceden ahora o muy pronto usan
this.
Las cosas que pasaron en el pasado usanThisweek is crazy!that.Thatparty last Saturday was legendary. - Emotional Distance: A veces, usamos
thatpara distanciarnos de algo que no nos gusta. "I don't likethatguy's vibe.Se siente más lejos que
thisguy", quien podría estar parado justo a tu lado.
that sándwich invisible! Ok, me apegaré a la gramática.
Formation Pattern
this. (Ejemplo: this laptop on my desk).
that. (Ejemplo: that plane in the sky).
these. (Ejemplo: these notifications on my screen).
those. (Ejemplo: those mountains in the distance).
this | that
these | those
masculina o femenina. Solo te importa si hay una mesa o una sala de exposición de IKEA completa de ellas.
When To Use It
- On the Phone: Cuando contestas una llamada de un número desconocido, dices:
Hello,
. Para preguntar quién llama, dices:thisis [Tu Nombre]Who is
that? - Social Media: Si estás compartiendo un meme en un chat grupal, podrías escribir:
Thisis so me! - Online Shopping: ¿Navegando en Amazon? Podrías decirle a tu compañero de cuarto: "I really want
thoseheadphones, but they're so expensive." - Introducing People: Cuando estás en una fiesta, señalas a tu amigo y dices:
. No dicesThisis SarahShe is Sarahcuando la presentas por primera vez en un espacio físico. - Ordering Food: ¿En un camión de comida? Señala el menú y di: "I'll have
thistaco andthatburrito, please."
pulpo en un mercado local, solo señala y di That, please.
Common Mistakes
- 1Mixing Singular and Plural: Este es el error #1. La gente dice
en lugar dethisshoes
. Recuerda:theseshoesthises un solitario (singular).theseama una multitud (plural). - 2The
ItTrap: Usaritcuando deberías usarthis. Si estás introduciendo un concepto o iniciando una conversación, comienza conthis.
es mejor queThisis a great idea!It is a great idea!
cuando la estás presentando por primera vez. - 3Pronunciation:
this('i' corta como en 'fish') ythese('e' larga como en 'cheese'). Si los dices mal, la gente podría confundirse sobre de cuántos artículos estás hablando. - 4Overusing
That: No usesthatpara cosas que estás sosteniendo actualmente. Suena como si tuvieras miedo del objeto.¿What is
(señalando tu propia mano) suena como si hubieras encontrado un bicho. Usathat?¿What is
this?
Contrast With Similar Patterns
¿En qué se diferencian de otras palabras señaladoras como it, here, y there?
this y that son más específicos. Señalan una cosa específica en el espacio. it es más general y se usa una vez que ya sabemos de qué estamos hablando.Look at(Usathisdog!Itis so cute.
this para señalar, luego it para seguir hablando).here y there son adverbios de lugar. No reemplazan al sustantivo; describen la ubicación.My phone is here. (Ubicación)This is my phone.these se siente como si los eventos estuvieran sucediendo ahora mismo. those se siente como los viejos tiempos.Quick FAQ
¿Puedo usar this para personas?
¡Sí! Pero principalmente para presentaciones o identificar a alguien en una foto.
This is my brother.¿Siempre tengo que usar un sustantivo después de ellos?
Nop. Pueden estar solos como pronombres.
I like this. o pueden ser adjetivos: I like this song.
¿Es grosero señalar?
¡En algunas culturas, sí! Pero usar las palabras this y that es perfectamente cortés. Solo tal vez usa toda tu mano en lugar de un dedo si estás en un restaurante elegante.
Memory Trick
¡Piensa en las letras!
- THIS tiene una I. Solo hay 1 I. Así que this es para 1 cosa.
- THESE tiene muchas Es. Es para cosas Extra (plural).
- THAT y THOSE? Si empieza con T-H y es larga, está lejos. (Ok, esa es un poco forzada, ¡pero oye, podría funcionarte!)
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: En una Tienda de Ropa
Cliente
these jeans?Empleado
Those ones on the rack? They are $50.Cliente
this pair in my hand.Empleado
Those are on sale for $30.Scenario 2: Viendo Netflix
Sam
this show?Alex
That documentary about tigers?Sam
this new reality show on the home screen.Progressive Practice
Mira alrededor de tu habitación ahora mismo. Toca 5 cosas y di
This is my...Mira por tu ventana. Señala 3 cosas lejos y di
That is a...Abre tu aplicación de fotos. Encuentra una foto grupal. Señala y di
These are my friends.Imagina que estás en una tienda de tecnología. Pregunta el precio de una laptop al otro lado de la habitación:
How much is that?
Corrige esta oración:
I love this movies.(Espera, ¿lo notaste? ¡Debería ser
these movies!)
The Demonstrative Grid
| Distance | Singular (1) | Plural (2+) |
|---|---|---|
|
Near (Close)
|
This
|
These
|
|
Far (Distant)
|
That
|
Those
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
That is
|
That's
|
Very common in speech
|
|
This is
|
None
|
Rarely contracted in writing
|
|
These are
|
None
|
Never contracted
|
|
Those are
|
None
|
Never contracted
|
Meanings
Words used to point to specific people or things in relation to the speaker in space or time.
Physical Distance
Pointing to objects based on their physical proximity to the speaker.
“This chair is comfortable.”
“That mountain is very high.”
Time Reference
Referring to events happening now or in the past/future.
“This week is very busy.”
“That was a great party last night.”
Introduction/Identification
Identifying people or things, often on the phone or when introducing someone.
“Hi, this is Sarah speaking.”
“Mom, this is my friend, Alex.”
Reference Table
| Palabra (Demostrativo) | Cantidad | Distancia | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
this
|
Singular
|
Cerca
|
This is my phone.
|
|
that
|
Singular
|
Lejos
|
That is a bird.
|
|
these
|
Plural
|
Cerca
|
These are my keys.
|
|
those
|
Plural
|
Lejos
|
Those are stars.
|
|
this (como adjetivo)
|
Singular
|
Cerca
|
I like this song.
|
|
those (como adjetivo)
|
Plural
|
Lejos
|
Look at those trees.
|
Espectro de formalidad
Could you tell me what this item is? (Shopping or curiosity)
What is this? (Shopping or curiosity)
What's this? (Shopping or curiosity)
What's this thingy? (Shopping or curiosity)
El Mundo de los Demostrativos
Cerca de Ti
- this singular
- these plural
Lejos de Ti
- that singular
- those plural
Comparación: Singular vs. Plural
¿Qué Palabra Debería Usar?
¿Es solo una cosa?
¿Está cerca de ti?
¿Está cerca (plural)?
Escenarios de Uso Moderno
Por Teléfono
- • This is Mark speaking.
- • Who is that?
En una Cafetería
- • I'll have this muffin.
- • That latte looks good.
Redes Sociales
- • Look at these comments!
- • Those filters are weird.
Ejemplos por nivel
This is my cat.
This is my cat.
That is a big tree.
That is a big tree.
These are my friends.
These are my friends.
Are those your keys?
Are those your keys?
This coffee is very hot.
This coffee is very hot.
I don't like that movie.
I don't like that movie.
These sandwiches are delicious.
These sandwiches are delicious.
Who are those people over there?
Who are those people over there?
This is exactly what I was talking about.
This is exactly what I was talking about.
That was a difficult time for everyone.
That was a difficult time for everyone.
These rules are quite confusing.
These rules are quite confusing.
Those who finish early can leave.
Those who finish early can leave.
This new policy will affect all employees.
This new policy will affect all employees.
That is a very interesting point you've raised.
That is a very interesting point you've raised.
These findings suggest a need for further research.
These findings suggest a need for further research.
Those arguments are simply not valid in this context.
Those arguments are simply not valid in this context.
This brings us to the final conclusion of the report.
This brings us to the final conclusion of the report.
That the economy is failing is a common misconception.
That the economy is failing is a common misconception.
These are not merely suggestions; they are requirements.
These are not merely suggestions; they are requirements.
Those present at the meeting agreed to the terms.
Those present at the meeting agreed to the terms.
This, then, is the crux of the matter.
This, then, is the crux of the matter.
I simply cannot stand that constant whistling of his.
I simply cannot stand that constant whistling of his.
These are but a few of the challenges we face.
These are but a few of the challenges we face.
Those were the days of wine and roses.
Those were the days of wine and roses.
Fácil de confundir
Learners use 'it' to point to things for the first time.
In relative clauses, learners aren't sure which one to use.
Using 'they' to point to specific objects.
Errores comunes
This books are good.
These books are good.
That is my keys.
Those are my keys.
Look at this!
Look at that!
I like these cake.
I like this cake.
In that days, life was hard.
In those days, life was hard.
Who is that?
Who is this?
This is a good news.
This is good news.
That people are waiting.
Those people are waiting.
This was a great party last week.
That was a great party last week.
Those present at the meeting was...
Those present at the meeting were...
Patrones de oraciones
Is this ___?
I like those ___.
This is my friend, ___.
That was a ___ ___.
Real World Usage
How much is this shirt?
I'll take two of those croissants, please.
Hi, this is Mark. Is that Sarah?
This experience helped me develop leadership skills.
Check out this video! That was so funny.
Go past that building and turn left.
La Regla del Teléfono
Hello, this is Alex speaking.
¡No Olvides la 'S'!
These apples are delicious.
Presentaciones en Inglés
This is my friend, Maria.
Smart Tips
If you are touching the item, use 'this'. If the shopkeeper has to get it for you, use 'that'.
Always use 'these are' even if you are introducing them one by one as a group.
Use 'that' to show you were listening to their past experience.
Use 'this thing' or 'that thing' while pointing. It's a perfect survival strategy!
Pronunciación
The 'TH' sound
All four words start with the voiced 'th' sound /ð/. Your tongue should be between your teeth.
This vs. These Vowels
'This' has a short /ɪ/ (like 'sit'). 'These' has a long /iː/ (like 'see'). This is the most important distinction.
Emphasis on the demonstrative
I want THIS one, not THAT one.
Stressing the word shows a strong contrast between choices.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
THIS and THESE have an 'I' or 'E' like 'NEAR'. THAT and THOSE have an 'A' or 'O' like 'AFAR'.
Asociación visual
Imagine a circle around your feet. Anything inside the circle is 'This/These'. Anything outside the circle, where you have to stretch your arm to point, is 'That/Those'.
Rhyme
This and These are close to me, That and Those are far, you see!
Story
You are at a market. You hold an apple (This). You point to a mountain (That). You hold your keys (These). You point to the stars (Those).
Word Web
Desafío
Look around your room. Point to 3 things near you using 'This/These' and 3 things far away using 'That/Those'. Say them out loud!
Notas culturales
When answering the phone, we say 'This is [Name].' We never say 'I am [Name]' or 'That is [Name]'.
In the UK, when asking who is on the other end of the phone, people often say 'Who is that?' whereas Americans might say 'Who is this?'
Pointing with a finger while saying 'that' can be considered rude in some cultures. Using the word alone is polite.
Demonstratives come from Old English 'þis' (this) and 'þæt' (that).
Inicios de conversación
What is this in English?
Do you like these shoes I'm wearing?
Is that your car parked outside?
What do you think of this weather we're having?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
___ clouds look like sheep.
I can't believe I found ___ book in the trash!
Find and fix the mistake:
That shoes are very dirty.
Score: /3
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercises___ is my favorite book in my hand.
Look at ___ stars in the sky!
Find and fix the mistake:
These is my brother, Tom.
1. This 2. These 3. That 4. Those
are / keys / those / your / ?
___ was a great movie we saw last night.
Hello, ___ is Sarah. Is ___ John?
I want to buy ___ shoes over there.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises___ (near) are my favorite cookies.
is / laptop / mine / that
Translate: 'Dies sind meine Eltern.'
Identifica la oración correcta para una persona que llama por teléfono:
Relaciona el demostrativo con su categoría:
Corrige: 'I want those apple on the table.'
Look at ___ bird way up in the tree!
¿Cómo presentas a tu amigo Mark?
Translate: 'Jene Häuser sind alt.'
expensive / are / those / glasses
Score: /10
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Yes, but mainly for introductions like `This is my friend` or on the phone. In other cases, use `he` or `she`.
We use `this` for the present or future (`this week`) and `that` for the past (`that year`).
English requires subject-verb agreement. `This` is singular, so it needs `is`. `These` is plural, so it needs `are`.
It is always `that's` with an apostrophe, which is short for `that is`.
Yes, `these ones` and `those ones` are very common in informal English to emphasize specific items.
Make sure the 'e' sound is long like in 'bee' and the 's' sounds like a 'z'.
Usually no. However, you might use it if you are referring to something the other person is holding.
No. In English, `this`, `that`, `these`, and `those` are the same for masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
este / ese / aquel
English lacks the 'middle' distance word (ese).
ce / cette / ces
English demonstratives are gender-neutral.
dieser / jener
English forms are much simpler and don't change for case.
kore / sore / are
Japanese distinguishes between 'near you' and 'far from us'.
hadha / dhalika
English has no 'dual' form for exactly two things.
zhè / nà
English has unique plural words (these/those) rather than adding a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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