Esto - Esta - Este

Question

I am confused when to use either esto, esta, or este. Thanks....

Answer 1

Here is a little table for your info:

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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.)

muchas gracias qurido amigo... Cracias por su información util y corta y clara - Mahsaa, Jun 12, 2017

Sometimes it's too hard to understand very minor differences that long paragraphs and confusing explanations make it harder. But a short clear explanation such a table - like yours- solves all problems! thank you again. - Mahsaa, Jun 12, 2017

You did not address where the neuter aquello fits in here?? - CaptainFrosty, Jun 15, 2017

Answer 2

The esta, este can be either demonstrative adjectives or pronouns. Esto can only be a demonstrative pronoun.

demonstrative adjectives:

Esta would be used to modify feminine, singular nouns.

Este would be to used modify masculine, singular nouns.

There is no demonstrative adjective esto.

demonstrative adjectives

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If you mean esto, ésta, éste (demonstrative pronouns)

éste is used with a masculine, singular antecedent

ésta is used with a feminine, singular antecendent

esto is used with an unknown, abstract antecedent

demonstrative pronouns

Answer 3

¡Hola!, LenoraLee :

SpaníshD!ct.com has a couple of excellent Reference document that present, discuss and review:

Demonstrative Pronouns, see This page, and

Demonstrative Adjectives, see That page.

These are the parts of grammar that you are enquiring about.

I hope you enjoy them.

Recuerdos/Regards,

Moe

Answer 4

It depends on gender and number. Este (This) is used for masculine words. Este perro = This dog. Esta (This) is used for feminine words. Esta mesa = This table.

Ese (That) is used for masculine words. Ese gato = That cat. Esa (That) is used for masculine words. Esa clase = That class.

It's the same for the plural versions (These and Those), just add an "s" at the end, except when you do that with the masculine versions, you have to take off the "e" at the end and add an o instead. For example: Estos and Esos.

If you are describing something without the actual word being in the sentence, use "esto" for "this" and "eso" for "that", regardless of the article. Example: Eso es bueno = That is good. Since you're not specifying what exactly is good, it needs to be "Eso". Hope this helps

In the sentence "esto es una pelea estúpida", is esto correct? Why is it not "esta"? - arty8, Nov 24, 2016