This vs That: Este, Esse, Aquele
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'este' for things near you, 'esse' for things near the listener, and 'aquele' for things far from both.
- Este/Esta: Close to the speaker (e.g., 'Este livro aqui').
- Esse/Essa: Close to the listener (e.g., 'Esse livro aí').
- Aquele/Aquela: Far from both (e.g., 'Aquele livro lá').
Overview
Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives in Portuguese are essential tools for indicating the position of nouns relative to the speaker and listener, as well as their temporal or contextual distance. Unlike English, which primarily distinguishes between "this" (near) and "that" (far), Portuguese employs a nuanced three-way system: este, esse, and aquele. This system allows for precise communication regarding physical proximity, temporal relationships, and anaphoric references within discourse.
Understanding this distinction is fundamental to achieving accuracy and naturalness in Portuguese expression, providing a grammatical "GPS" for pinpointing items in conversation. Historically, this tripartite system evolved from Latin demonstratives iste, ipse, and ille, each carrying specific spatial connotations, a distinction preserved and elaborated in Portuguese. Mastering these forms from an early stage empowers you to articulate location, time, and ideas with native-like clarity.
How This Grammar Works
este, esse, and aquele is deixis, specifically spatial, temporal, and discourse deixis. Each demonstrative is anchored to a specific relational "zone" between the speaker and the listener. Mastering these zones ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in communication, reflecting a precise way Portuguese speakers conceptualize shared reality.- Zone 1: Proximity to the Speaker (
este,esta,isto) - These forms indicate something located near the speaker, or actively held by the speaker. Think of it as "this here" or "the one I have/am near." It establishes the speaker's immediate personal space.
- They also refer to the present moment or an imminent future event, grounding the discourse in the speaker's current time frame.
- In discourse,
este(andisto) refers to what is about to be mentioned (cataphoric reference) or what the speaker is currently presenting or explaining. - Example:
Este café que estou a beber está delicioso.(This coffee that I'm drinking is delicious.) - Example:
Esta noite vamos sair para jantar.(Tonight we are going out for dinner.)
- Zone 2: Proximity to the Listener (
esse,essa,isso) - These forms indicate something located near the listener, or actively held by the listener. Consider it "that there" (near you) or "the one you have/are near." It acknowledges the listener's immediate sphere.
- They refer to the recent past or an event just discussed, linking to a shared recent experience or prior discourse.
- In discourse,
esse(andisso) refers to what was just mentioned by the speaker or listener (anaphoric reference), or what is implied by the immediate context of the conversation. - Example:
Essa mochila que tens no chão é pesada?(Is that backpack that you have on the floor heavy?) - Example:
Essa viagem que fizemos o ano passado foi inesquecível.(That trip we took last year was unforgettable.)
- Zone 3: Distance from Both Speaker and Listener (
aquele,aquela,aquilo) - These forms indicate something located far from both the speaker and the listener. This is the general "that over there" or "the one that is distant." It refers to items outside the immediate reach or perception of both participants.
- They refer to the distant past or hypothetical future events that are not immediate, placing them in a broader temporal context.
- In discourse,
aquele(andaquilo) can refer to something far removed in the conversation, perhaps something mentioned much earlier, a general concept, or something that exists independently of the current interaction. - Example:
Aquele prédio alto no horizonte é novo.(That tall building on the horizon is new.) - Example:
Aquela altura da minha vida foi complicada.(That period of my life [long ago] was complicated.)
isto, isso, aquilo) are exclusively pronouns and are invariable; they do not refer to specific, gendered nouns, but rather to abstract concepts, ideas, or entire situations.Formation Pattern
este | estes | esta | estas | isto |
esse | esses | essa | essas | isso |
aquele | aqueles | aquela | aquelas | aquilo |
este livro (masculine singular), estas canetas (feminine plural). When used as demonstrative pronouns, they replace a noun and similarly agree. For instance, if referring to os carros (the cars), you would use aqueles (those ones).
isto, isso, aquilo): These are exclusively pronouns. They are invariable, meaning they do not change for gender or number. They are used to refer to:
O que é isto que tens na mão? (What is this thing you have in your hand?)
Isso que disseste é uma excelente ideia. (That which you said is an excellent idea.)
Aquilo não me diz respeito. (That situation/matter doesn't concern me.)
de (of/from), em (in/on/at), and a (to/at). These contractions are mandatory and form integral parts of the language, reflecting a natural phonetic and grammatical merging process.
de (of/from): These forms indicate possession, origin, or partitive relationships.
de + este/a/es/as/isto | deste | destes | desta | destas | disto |
de + esse/a/es/as/isso | desse | desses | dessa | dessas | disso |
de + aquele/a/es/as/aquilo | daquele | daqueles | daquela | daquelas | daquilo |
Os documentos deste projeto estão prontos. (The documents of this project are ready.)
Precisamos daquele livro na prateleira de cima. (We need that book [far away] from the top shelf.)
em (in/on/at): These forms express location (physical or temporal) or manner.
em + este/a/es/as/isto | neste | nestes | nesta | nestas | nisto |
em + esse/a/es/as/isso | nesse | nesses | nessa | nessas | nisso |
em + aquele/a/es/as/aquilo | naquele | naqueles | naquela | naquelas | naquilo |
Eu moro nesta cidade há cinco anos. (I have lived in this city for five years.)
Estávamos a pensar naquele plano de viagem. (We were thinking about that travel plan [far from immediate discussion].)
a (to/at): This contraction occurs primarily with aquele and its variants, as well as aquilo. The preposition a (often from verbs or nouns that require it, e.g., ir a, referir-se a) combines with the initial a of aquele to form àquele, indicated by a grave accent (à). This phenomenon is known as crase in Portuguese.
a + aquele/a/es/as/aquilo | àquele | àqueles | àquela | àquelas | àquilo |
este, esse, isto, or isso because their initial vowel is e or i, preventing the a + a merger required for crase.
Vou àquele concerto de jazz amanhã. (I'm going to that jazz concert [far away] tomorrow.)
Ele referiu-se àquilo que você disse na reunião. (He referred to that thing you said in the meeting.)
When To Use It
este, esse, and aquele extends beyond simple physical pointing, encompassing intricate temporal and discourse-related functions. Their correct usage enriches communication by providing context and precision that a simpler two-way system (like English's this/that) cannot achieve. Each demonstrative offers a unique perspective on the distance and relevance of the noun it refers to.- 1Physical Location (Spatial Deixis): This is the most straightforward application, directly tied to the "three zones" concept, and often the first usage learners grasp.
Este/Esta: For objects physically close to the speaker or that the speaker possesses. This is your immediate surroundings.Por favor, leva este pacote que está na minha secretária.(Please take this package that is on my desk [near me].)Esta é a minha nova caneta.(This is my new pen [I'm holding it].)Esse/Essa: For objects physically close to the listener or in the listener's immediate environment. This is their immediate surroundings.Podes fechar essa janela que está perto de ti?(Can you close that window that is near you?)Essa mala de viagem é tua?(Is that travel bag [near you] yours?)Aquele/Aquela: For objects physically distant from both speaker and listener, implying a separation that requires a gesture or more description to pinpoint.Aquele pássaro no céu é uma águia.(That bird in the sky [far away] is an eagle.)Comprei aquele vestido que vimos na montra da loja.(I bought that dress [we saw in the distant shop window].)
- 1Temporal Reference (Temporal Deixis): Demonstratives are crucial for indicating points in time relative to the moment of speaking, offering a temporal mapping that mirrors their spatial function.
Este/Esta: Refers to the present or the immediate future (the time frame currently being experienced, upcoming, or closely connected to the present).Este ano estou a aprender muito.(This current year I am learning a lot.)Nesta próxima semana terei muito trabalho.(In this upcoming week, I will have a lot of work.)Esse/Essa: Refers to the recent past or a period of time just mentioned. It connects to shared recent experience or discourse, often implying a time that the listener is also aware of.Lembro-me bem desse dia em que nos perdemos.(I remember that day [recently past or just talked about] well when we got lost.)Essa altura do ano costuma ser mais fria.(That time of year [we were just discussing] is usually colder.)Aquele/Aquela: Refers to the distant past or a point in time far removed from the present, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or historical context.Aqueles tempos de infância foram despreocupados.(Those childhood times [long ago] were carefree.)Naquele século, a tecnologia era muito diferente.(In that century [far in the past], technology was very different.)
- 1Discourse Reference (Anaphoric/Cataphoric Deixis): Demonstratives can refer to ideas, concepts, or statements within a conversation or text, guiding the listener through the flow of information.
Este/Isto: Refers to what is about to be said (cataphoric) or what is currently being presented by the speaker, building anticipation for the upcoming information.Presta atenção a isto: a reunião foi cancelada.(Pay attention to this [what I'm about to say]: the meeting was canceled.)Esta é a minha proposta para o novo projeto.(This [what I'm explaining now] is my proposal for the new project.)Esse/Isso: Refers to what has just been said (anaphoric) by either the speaker or the listener. It acknowledges immediate prior discourse, affirming or reacting to it.Ele disse que estava cansado. Isso é perfeitamente compreensível.(He said he was tired. That [what he just said] is perfectly understandable.)Isso que acabaste de dizer é um ponto muito válido.(That which you just said is a very valid point.)Aquele/Aquilo: Refers to something previously mentioned but perhaps further back in the conversation, or a general concept that is not immediately foregrounded. It can serve to summarize or refer to broader topics.As crises económicas, as mudanças climáticas, os conflitos internacionais... aquilo tudo preocupa-me.(Economic crises, climate change, international conflicts... all that [general collection of issues] worries me.)Já falámos da nossa conversa de há dois dias. Aquilo foi importante para mim.(We already talked about our conversation from two days ago. That [the conversation] was important to me.)
- 1Emphasis and Distinction: Demonstratives can also be used to highlight a specific item among others, drawing attention to it or contrasting it.
Não quero este carro que tenho à frente; quero aquele carro desportivo ao fundo.(I don't want this car [near me]; I want that sports car [far away] in the background.)Entre essa e aquela opção, sem dúvida prefiro esta.(Between that option [near you] and that other one [far away], I definitely prefer this one [I'm currently presenting/holding].)
- 1Neutral Forms (
isto,isso,aquilo): These are indispensable for referring to abstract notions, unspecified entities, or entire situations without gender or number. They allow for broad references to events, ideas, or circumstances.
Isto é inacreditável!(This [situation/idea currently unfolding] is unbelievable!)Não entendi isso que o professor explicou.(I didn't understand that [concept/explanation] that the professor explained.)Aquilo que se passou ontem foi muito estranho.(That [whole event] which happened yesterday was very strange.)
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing
esteandessein Brazilian Portuguese (BP):
- Mistake: In Brazil, particularly in informal spoken language,
esse(and its forms) often replaceseste(and its forms), even for objects near the speaker. For example, a Brazilian might sayEssa caneta aqui é minha.(This pen here is mine.) while holding the pen. - Explanation: While this colloquial usage is widespread in informal spoken BP, it blurs the formal distinction that is a cornerstone of Portuguese grammar. For A1 learners, especially when learning European Portuguese (EP) or aiming for formal writing, adhering strictly to the
este(near speaker) /esse(near listener) rule is paramount. This distinction helps differentiate meaning and fosters a foundational understanding of the deictic system. Ignoring it can lead to misinterpretations or sound less precise in formal contexts. - Correction: When the object is near you, the speaker, use
este. When it's near the person you're talking to, useesse. When in doubt in Brazil, consider the context and formality;esseis generally safer for "that," butestemaintains clarity for "this (near me)."
- 1Incorrect Gender and Number Agreement:
- Mistake: Using a masculine demonstrative with a feminine noun, or a singular form with a plural noun. Example: ❌
Este mesa(This table), ❌Esses flor(Those flower). - Explanation: Like all adjectives and pronouns in Portuguese, demonstratives must strictly agree in gender and number with the noun they modify or replace.
Mesais a feminine noun, so it requires a feminine demonstrative.Floris singular feminine, requiring a singular feminine demonstrative. Failure to agree results in grammatical discord. - Correction: Always ensure the demonstrative matches the noun's gender and number:
Esta mesa(feminine singular),Essa flor(feminine singular),Essas flores(feminine plural).
- 1Misusing Neutral Forms with Specific Nouns:
- Mistake: Using
isto,isso, oraquiloto refer to a specific, gendered noun. Example: ❌Eu gosto de isso carro.(I like that car.) - Explanation: The neutral forms (
isto,isso,aquilo) are pronouns designed to refer to abstract concepts, ideas, or unspecified "things" without gender. They cannot directly modify or replace a concrete, gendered noun likecarro(masculine singular). They lack the agreement mechanisms for specific nouns. - Correction: For specific nouns, use the appropriate gendered and numbered forms, often with the necessary prepositional contractions:
Eu gosto desse carro.(de+esse=desse).
- 1Forgetting Mandatory Prepositional Contractions:
- Mistake: Separating the preposition and the demonstrative. Example: ❌
em este livroinstead ofneste livro; ❌a aquela casainstead ofàquela casa. - Explanation: In Portuguese, when certain prepositions (
de,em,a) precede a demonstrative, they must contract. This is a fundamental rule of euphony and grammar, preventing awkward phrasing. The crase (àquel(es/as)) is particularly tricky but essential, indicating the merger of the prepositionaand the initialaof the demonstrative. - Correction: Always use the contracted forms. Practice them until they become automatic:
neste,desse,daquela,àqueles. Think of them as single lexical units.
- 1Ignoring the Three-Way Distance Distinction:
- Mistake: Treating Portuguese demonstratives as a two-way system like English ("this" and "that"), and thus randomly choosing between
esseandaquelefor "that" without considering the listener's position. - Explanation: Portuguese precisely distinguishes between "near the listener" (
esse) and "far from both" (aquele). This distinction conveys critical spatial and temporal information about the object's relationship to both participants in the conversation. Failing to observe this leads to imprecision. - Correction: Consciously evaluate the relative distance of the object from both speakers before choosing. If it's near the listener,
esse. If it's truly distant from both,aquele.
- 1Overusing Demonstratives Where Articles Suffice:
- Mistake: Using demonstratives unnecessarily when a simple definite article (
o,a,os,as) would be more natural. Example:Eu gosto daquela casa.(I like that house.) instead ofEu gosto da casa.(I like the house.) when no special emphasis on distance is needed. - Explanation: While demonstratives add specificity about location, definite articles are often sufficient when referring to a known or contextually clear item. Overuse of demonstratives can sound redundant or overly emphatic. The demonstrative adds a layer of spatial or temporal distinction.
- Correction: Use a demonstrative when you specifically want to emphasize the distance or relationship of the object. Otherwise, a definite article is often more concise and natural. For example,
O livro é interessante.(The book is interesting.) vs.Este livro é interessante.(This particular book [near me] is interesting.)
Real Conversations
Understanding demonstratives in theory is one step; observing their application in authentic contexts is another. Portuguese speakers seamlessly integrate este, esse, and aquele into various communication styles, reflecting subtle nuances in meaning that go beyond mere pointing. Here are examples across different registers:
1. Casual Conversation / Daily Interactions:
- At a café with a friend, pointing to something on their table: Essa chávena de café é tua? (Is that cup of coffee [near you] yours?)
- Referring to your own phone: Espera, preciso de ver uma coisa neste telemóvel. (Wait, I need to see something on this phone [my own].)
- Commenting on a distant building: Olha, aquela igreja no topo da colina é linda. (Look, that church [far away] on the hilltop is beautiful.)
2. Text Messages / Social Media:
- Sending a picture: Vou mandar-te esta foto que acabei de tirar. (I'm going to send you this photo I just took.)
- Discussing a previous message: Li essa tua mensagem agora mesmo. Que boa notícia! (I just read that message of yours [which you sent]. What good news!)
- Referring to an old memory/post: Lembraste daquela publicação que fizemos há anos? (Do you remember that post [from years ago] we made?)
3. Formal / Work Contexts:
- Presenting a document: Este relatório contém todos os dados mais recentes. (This report [I'm presenting/holding] contains all the latest data.)
- Referencing a colleague's point: Essa observação que fizeste é pertinente. (That observation you made [just now] is pertinent.)
- Discussing a long-term goal: Aquele objetivo que definimos no início do ano ainda é a nossa prioridade. (That objective [established long ago] we defined at the beginning of the year is still our priority.)
4. Narrative / Storytelling:
- Recounting a recent event: Estava neste café quando tudo aconteceu. (I was in this [present] café when everything happened.)
- Referring to a specific item from a story: Aquele objeto misterioso era a chave de tudo. (That mysterious object [from the story] was the key to everything.)
- Summing up a situation: E assim, isso foi o fim da história. (And so, that [the situation described] was the end of the story.)
5. Cultural Nuance - European vs. Brazilian Portuguese:
- In European Portuguese (EP), the distinction between este (near speaker) and esse (near listener) is generally maintained in both formal and informal contexts. A Portuguese person holding a book would typically say Este livro é meu.
- In Brazilian Portuguese (BP), while the formal distinction exists, in everyday spoken language, esse often becomes the default for both "this" and "that (near you)." A Brazilian might say Esse livro aqui é meu. even if they are holding the book. However, aquele for "that (far)" remains consistent in both varieties. For learners, understanding this divergence is key to adapting to different accents, but a solid grasp of the formal three-way distinction provides the most versatile foundation.
These examples illustrate that demonstratives are not just grammatical placeholders but active participants in conveying precise meaning and context within communication. Their fluidity across registers highlights their importance for natural expression.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can I use
essefor something near me in Brazil?
Colloquially, yes, in informal Brazilian Portuguese, esse has largely absorbed the function of este for objects near the speaker. You will hear Brazilians say Essa caneta aqui (This pen here) while holding the pen. However, formally and in European Portuguese, the distinction remains important. For learners, mastering the formal three-way system first provides the strongest foundation, allowing you to then adapt to regional colloquialisms.
- Q: What is the purpose of the neutral forms
isto,isso,aquilo?
The neutral forms are crucial for referring to abstract concepts, ideas, entire situations, or objects whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. They allow you to refer to a general "thing" or "state of affairs" without committing to a specific masculine or feminine noun. For example, Isto é um problema. (This [situation] is a problem.) Isso que dizes é interessante. (That [idea] you say is interesting.) Aquilo que aconteceu foi lamentável. (That [event] which happened was regrettable.)
- Q: How do I decide between
esseando(the definite article)?
O (and a, os, as) simply identifies a noun as definite: o carro (the car). Esse (and its forms) also identifies a noun, but crucially adds information about its distance from the speaker (near the listener). So, o carro is just
Demonstrative Adjectives/Pronouns
| Gender | Singular (Near) | Singular (Medial) | Singular (Distal) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Masculine
|
este
|
esse
|
aquele
|
|
Feminine
|
esta
|
essa
|
aquela
|
|
Neutral
|
isto
|
isso
|
aquilo
|
Plural Forms
| Gender | Plural (Near) | Plural (Medial) | Plural (Distal) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Masculine
|
estes
|
esses
|
aqueles
|
|
Feminine
|
estas
|
essas
|
aquelas
|
Meanings
Demonstratives indicate the location of an object or person relative to the speaker and listener.
Spatial proximity
Physical distance from the speaker/listener.
“Este lápis é meu.”
“Esse lápis é seu?”
Temporal reference
Referring to time periods.
“Este ano está passando rápido.”
“Nesse momento, eu estava dormindo.”
Textual reference
Referring to parts of a text.
“Este parágrafo explica a regra.”
“Como dito nesse parágrafo anterior.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Proximal
|
este/esta/estes/estas
|
Este carro é meu.
|
|
Medial
|
esse/essa/esses/essas
|
Esse carro é seu.
|
|
Distal
|
aquele/aquela/aqueles/aquelas
|
Aquele carro é dele.
|
|
Neutral
|
isto/isso/aquilo
|
O que é isso?
|
|
Contraction
|
de + este = deste
|
Gosto deste livro.
|
|
Contraction
|
em + aquele = naquele
|
Estou naquele lugar.
|
Formality Spectrum
Esta é a minha residência. (Introducing your home.)
Esta é a minha casa. (Introducing your home.)
Essa é minha casa. (Introducing your home.)
Essa é minha casa, mano. (Introducing your home.)
Distance Map
Near Me
- Este This
Near You
- Esse That
Far Away
- Aquele That over there
Examples by Level
Este livro é meu.
This book is mine.
Essa caneta é sua?
Is that pen yours?
Aquele carro é azul.
That car over there is blue.
Esta casa é grande.
This house is big.
O que é isto?
What is this?
Eu gosto desses sapatos.
I like those shoes (near you).
Naquele dia, choveu muito.
On that day, it rained a lot.
Quero comprar aquela blusa.
I want to buy that blouse over there.
Este projeto é mais importante que aquele.
This project is more important than that one.
Isso não faz sentido algum.
That makes no sense at all.
Aqueles dias de verão foram inesquecíveis.
Those summer days were unforgettable.
Estes são os resultados do teste.
These are the test results.
Aquele rapaz, o que trabalha ali, é meu primo.
That guy, who works over there, is my cousin.
Dito isso, precisamos avançar.
Having said that, we need to move forward.
Estes argumentos são falhos.
These arguments are flawed.
Aquela época foi marcada por mudanças.
That era was marked by changes.
Este é o dilema: agir ou esperar.
This is the dilemma: to act or to wait.
Aquilo que ele disse me deixou pensativo.
That which he said left me thoughtful.
Essas medidas, embora necessárias, são impopulares.
These measures, although necessary, are unpopular.
Naquele momento, percebi a verdade.
At that moment, I realized the truth.
Este, e não aquele, é o caminho correto.
This one, and not that one, is the correct path.
Aquilo de que falamos ontem é confidencial.
That which we spoke of yesterday is confidential.
Esses são os pormenores da questão.
These are the details of the issue.
Aquele horizonte distante nos chama.
That distant horizon calls us.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'esse' for everything.
Using neutral forms with nouns.
Using 'aquele' as a definite article.
Common Mistakes
Este caneta
Esta caneta
Aquele é meu livro (holding it)
Este é meu livro
Esses são bom
Estes são bons
Isto livro
Este livro
Naquele momento, eu estou...
Naquele momento, eu estava...
Quero esse aqui
Quero este aqui
Aquilo casa
Aquela casa
Este parágrafo anterior
Esse parágrafo anterior
Aquele que eu vi
O que eu vi
Estes são os que eu gosto
Estes são os de que gosto
Este, referindo-se ao primeiro...
Aquele, referindo-se ao primeiro...
Aquilo de que ele gosta
Aquilo de que ele gosta
Esses são os fatos
Estes são os fatos
Aquele que foi dito
O que foi dito
Sentence Patterns
___ é meu.
Você viu ___ carro ali?
___ que você disse é verdade.
___ são os meus, mas ___ são os seus.
Real World Usage
Gostei desse post!
O que é isso?
Neste projeto, eu aprendi...
Quanto custa aquele ingresso?
Quero esse prato.
Estes dados indicam...
The Hand Rule
Gender Matters
Neutral Forms
Brazilian Usage
Smart Tips
Use the neutral forms (isto, isso, aquilo) to avoid errors.
Use 'este' for the last thing mentioned and 'aquele' for the first.
Don't worry too much about the 'este/esse' distinction in casual speech.
Always use 'aquele' to emphasize distance.
Pronunciation
Stress
The stress is on the penultimate syllable for most forms.
Neutral forms
The neutral forms (isto, isso, aquilo) have a closed 'o' sound.
Pointing
Aquele! ↗
Emphasis on distance.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Este is here, Esse is there (near you), Aquele is way over there.
Visual Association
Imagine holding a pen (Este), pointing to your friend's pen (Esse), and looking at a pen on the floor across the room (Aquele).
Rhyme
Este é aqui, Esse é aí, Aquele é lá, longe de mim e de ti.
Story
I hold this apple (este). You hold that apple (esse). We look at the apple on the tree (aquele).
Word Web
Challenge
Point to three things in your room and name them using the correct demonstrative.
Cultural Notes
In many parts of Brazil, 'esse' is used for both proximal and medial, making 'este' sound very formal.
The distinction between 'este' (proximal) and 'esse' (medial) is strictly maintained in speech.
Regional dialects may use archaic demonstrative forms.
Derived from Latin 'iste', 'ipse', and 'ille'.
Conversation Starters
O que é isto na sua mesa?
Você gosta desse celular?
Aquele prédio é antigo?
Como você diferencia este e aquele?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___ (This) livro é meu.
___ (That near you) caneta é sua?
Find and fix the mistake:
Este casa é bonita.
Este livro é bom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
___ (That over there) prédio é o mais alto.
O que é ___?
é / meu / este / livro.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___ (This) livro é meu.
___ (That near you) caneta é sua?
Find and fix the mistake:
Este casa é bonita.
Este livro é bom.
Match: 1. Near me, 2. Near you, 3. Far away.
___ (That over there) prédio é o mais alto.
O que é ___?
é / meu / este / livro.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesEu moro ___ prédio amarelo.
Match correctly:
Choose the correct phrase:
moça / Quem / aquela / é / ?
___ dia foi muito triste.
Eu quero esse camisa.
I don't believe in that.
Tenho muito trabalho ___ semana.
Is that new?
Match components:
O carro está naquelle lugar.
O que é ___?
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Portuguese uses a three-tier system to be more precise about location than English.
In casual Brazilian Portuguese, yes, but it's better to learn the distinction.
'Este' is an adjective/pronoun for a noun. 'Isto' is a neutral pronoun for abstract things.
Look at the noun it modifies. If it ends in -o, it's usually masculine.
Yes, it refers to a distant time in the past.
These are contractions of prepositions (de/em) with the demonstratives.
Yes, but they are more strict about the distance rules.
Use the neutral forms: isto, isso, aquilo.
Scaffolded Practice
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In Other Languages
este/ese/aquel
None, they are nearly identical.
ce/cet/cette/ces
French lacks the three-tier system.
dieser/jener
German lacks the medial 'esse' form.
kono/sono/ano
Japanese forms are invariable.
hatha/thalika
Arabic lacks the medial 'esse' form.
zhe/na
Chinese lacks the medial 'esse' form.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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