Este, esta, and ese

Question

When do you use ese instead of este or esta?

Don't forget to learn about aquel(los) and aquella(s) as well. - Fredbong, SEP 18, 2009

Answer 1

remember that ese-esa is used when the object or person is far from you, on the other hand este -esta is used when you have the object in your hands or very close to you and the person is right beside you or, as with the object, very close to you.

Answer 2

Here is a table I put together a year ago. It helped me -- hope it helps you.

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este = this (masc.)

esta = this (fem.)

esto = this (neutr.)

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estos = these (masc.)
estas = these (fem.)

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ese = that (masc.)

esa = that (fem.)

eso = that (neutr.)

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esos = those (masc.)

esas = those (fem.)

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aquel (that one over there - masc.)

aquella (that one over there - fem.)

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aquellos (those ones over there - masc.)

aquellas (those ones over there - fem.)

Nice job, thank you. Did great answers not get votes in 2009? - LateToDinner, JUL 1, 2010

Answer 3

Hi JoAnn. Welcome to the forum.

Este = this (masculine)

Ese = that (masculine)

Esta = this (feminine)

Esa = that (feminine)

There's a great lesson in the Reference section on demonstrative pronouns.

Answer 4

Este = this (masculine)

Ese = that (masculine)

Esta = this (feminine)

Esa = that (feminine)