isso

The word isso is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the Portuguese language. At its core, it is a neutral demonstrative pronoun that translates most closely to the English word 'that'. However, its usage is governed by a specific spatial and conceptual logic that differs slightly from English. In the tripartite system of Portuguese demonstratives—consisting of isto (this), isso (that), and aquilo (that over there)—isso occupies the middle ground. It specifically refers to things that are physically near the person you are speaking to, or things that have just been mentioned in a conversation.

Spatial Reference

Use isso when pointing to an object that the listener is holding or is sitting next to. If you ask 'O que é isso?' while pointing at a book in your friend's hand, you are using the word correctly.

Beyond physical space, isso is the workhorse of abstract reference. When someone tells you a story and you want to say 'That is amazing,' you use isso. It acts as a container for ideas, sentences, or situations that don't have a specific grammatical gender. Because it is 'neutral,' it never changes to 'issa' or 'issos'; it remains invariant, making it a reliable tool for learners who are still struggling with masculine and feminine nouns.

Conceptual Usage

When referring to a previous statement in a paragraph, isso serves as an anaphoric reference. It 'points back' to what was just said, ensuring the listener follows the logical flow of your argument.

In summary, isso is your go-to word for 'that' when you aren't talking about a specific gendered object (like 'that car' or 'that house') but rather 'that thing' or 'that idea.' It is the bridge between the speaker's world and the listener's world, facilitating clear communication about the shared environment and the shared conversation.

The 'Neutral' Rule

Unlike esse (masculine) or essa (feminine), isso is used when the object's name is unknown or when referring to a whole situation. If you see something strange and don't know what it is, you ask 'O que é isso?' rather than 'O que é esse?'.

Using isso correctly involves understanding its interaction with prepositions. In Portuguese, prepositions like de (of/from) and em (in/on) frequently merge with demonstratives to create contractions. This is where many learners get tripped up, but mastering these contractions is essential for sounding natural. The most common contractions are disso (de + isso) and nisso (em + isso). For example, instead of saying 'Eu gosto de isso,' which is grammatically incorrect, you must say 'Eu gosto disso.'

The 'Disso' Contraction

Used with verbs that require the preposition 'de', such as gostar (to like), precisar (to need), or lembrar-se (to remember). Example: 'Eu preciso disso agora' (I need that now).

Another important aspect is the placement of isso within a sentence. It usually follows the verb when it is the direct object: 'Eu quero isso.' However, it can also start a sentence to emphasize the topic: 'Isso eu não aceito' (That, I do not accept). This inversion is common in spoken Portuguese to provide rhetorical weight to the 'that' being discussed.

The 'Nisso' Contraction

Used with verbs requiring 'em', like pensar (to think) or acreditar (to believe). Example: 'Eu não acredito nisso' (I don't believe in that).

One of the most frequent uses of isso is in the phrase 'O que é isso?'. This is the standard way to ask 'What is that?' when referring to an object near the listener or an abstract situation. If you are confused by someone's behavior, you might ask 'O que é isso?' with a tone of surprise. It is also used to confirm information: 'É isso?' (Is that it? / Is that correct?).

In complex sentences, isso often acts as a placeholder for a subordinate clause. For instance, 'Eu quero isso: que você seja feliz' (I want this/that: that you be happy). Here, isso introduces the specific desire that follows. This structure is very common in formal writing and speeches to create clarity and emphasis.

The 'Tudo isso' Construction

This means 'all of that'. It is used to summarize a large amount of information or a complex situation. 'Tudo isso por nada?' (All of that for nothing?).

Finally, isso is used in many fixed expressions that indicate causality or consequence, such as 'por causa disso' (because of that) or 'apesar disso' (despite that). These are essential connectors for anyone looking to move from basic sentences to more fluid, connected speech.

You will hear isso everywhere in the Lusophone world, from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the historic alleys of Lisbon. It is perhaps one of the top 50 most frequently used words in the language. In daily conversation, it serves as a verbal nod. When someone explains something and you understand, you might simply say 'Isso!' to mean 'Exactly!' or 'That's it!'. This usage is incredibly common in Brazil, where it often replaces 'exato' or 'correto'.

In the Marketplace

If you are shopping and the vendor points to a fruit, you might say 'Isso, eu quero dois desses' (That's it, I want two of those). It clarifies the specific item being discussed without needing to know the item's name.

In Brazilian pop culture, isso is famously repeated in the catchphrase of the character Chaves (from the show 'El Chavo del Ocho'), who says 'Isso, isso, isso!' while gesturing with his finger to show agreement. This has cemented the word in the collective consciousness as the ultimate expression of 'yes, exactly what you said'.

In formal settings, such as news broadcasts or academic lectures, isso is used to refer back to complex data or previous segments. A news anchor might say, 'Isso posto, vamos aos detalhes do crime' (That being said, let's go to the details of the crime). Here, it functions as a sophisticated transition word. In legal contexts, isso refers to the 'aforementioned' facts or evidence.

In Music and Poetry

Songwriters often use isso to refer to the vague feeling of love or longing. 'Isso é amor' (That is love) is a common refrain, where 'isso' encompasses all the emotions described in the verses.

On social media, you will see 'Isso!' as a comment on posts to show agreement or support for a statement. It is the equivalent of 'This!' in English internet slang. It is quick, punchy, and carries a lot of weight. Whether you are watching a soap opera (telenovela) or reading a newspaper, isso is the glue that holds references together.

The 'Só isso' Question

Commonly heard in restaurants or shops when the attendant asks if you want anything else. It means 'Only that?' or 'Is that all?'.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with isso is using it as a demonstrative adjective. In English, 'that' can be both a pronoun ('I want that') and an adjective ('I want that book'). In Portuguese, these are two different words. Isso is only a pronoun. If you want to say 'that book,' you must use esse (masculine) or essa (feminine). Saying 'isso livro' is a hallmark of a beginner and sounds very jarring to native ears.

Isso vs. Esse/Essa

Mistake: 'Eu gosto de isso carro.' (Incorrect). Correct: 'Eu gosto desse carro.' (That car). Use isso when the noun is not present: 'Eu gosto disso.' (I like that).

Another common error is confusing isso with isto and aquilo. While the lines are blurred in Brazil, in formal writing and in Portugal, using isso for something you are holding (which should be isto) or for something very far away (which should be aquilo) is technically a mistake. Learners often default to isso for everything, which can lead to confusion about the location or the specific idea being referenced.

A subtle mistake involves the 'neutral' nature of the word. Sometimes learners try to pluralize isso into 'issos' when referring to multiple things. This word does not exist. If you are referring to multiple specific objects, you must use esses or essas. If you are referring to multiple abstract ideas, you still use the singular isso or the phrase essas coisas (those things).

Misusing 'Disso' for People

Never use isso or disso to refer to a person. It is dehumanizing. To say 'I like that (person),' use 'Eu gosto dele' or 'Eu gosto dela'. Isso is strictly for objects and ideas.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'é isso'. While it means 'that's it,' using it too abruptly can sound dismissive in certain contexts. If a waiter asks if you want more coffee and you say 'É isso' with a sharp tone, it might come across as 'That's all, now go away.' Adding a 'obrigado' (thank you) softens the phrase considerably: 'É só isso, obrigado.'

To truly master isso, you must understand its neighbors in the demonstrative family. Portuguese uses a three-tier system of distance, whereas English usually only uses two (this/that). Understanding the nuances between isto, isso, and aquilo will elevate your Portuguese from basic to fluent.

Isso vs. Isto

Isto refers to things near the speaker (me). Isso refers to things near the listener (you). In a conversation, if I am holding a pen, I say 'Isto é uma caneta.' If you are holding it, I say 'Isso é uma caneta.'

Then there is aquilo. This is used for things that are far from both the speaker and the listener. It is the 'that over there' or 'that way back when.' While isso is used for things recently mentioned in a conversation, aquilo is often used for things mentioned a long time ago or for very distant, vague concepts.

Isso vs. Esse/Essa

Isso is a neutral pronoun (it replaces a noun). Esse/Essa are demonstrative adjectives (they accompany a noun). Example: 'Eu quero esse livro' (I want that book) vs. 'Eu quero isso' (I want that).

In some contexts, you might use tal (such) as an alternative to isso. For example, 'Não esperava tal coisa' (I didn't expect such a thing) is a more formal and descriptive way of saying 'Não esperava isso.' Similarly, o qual or o que can sometimes replace isso in relative clauses, though isso remains the most common choice for direct reference.

Another set of alternatives are the words assim (like this/that) and tanto (so much). While not direct synonyms, they often appear in the same conceptual space. 'É isso' (That's it) can sometimes be replaced by 'É assim' (That's how it is) depending on whether you are pointing to a result or a process.

Summary Table

• Isto: Near me (Speaker)
• Isso: Near you (Listener)
• Aquilo: Far from both

Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate Portuguese social space with precision. When you use isso, you are acknowledging the listener's space or their contribution to the conversation, which is a subtle but powerful way to build rapport in the language.