Demonstrative Adjective Rule

Question

I really can't understand the rules for demonstrative adjectives! Can anyone give me a really good detailed description? For example, would I use este esta ese or esos in the sentence 'Necesito (that) plate'? I think it's ese, but again, I really don't know the rules! Please help!

Answer 1

Look at lesson 3.5 in "Learn Spanish". It's explained very well there. In your example, Necesito ese plato would be correct for a plate not immediately at hand, but not far away. If the plate is further away (across the room, say), then it would be Necesito aquel plato. If the plate is close at hand, then you'd say Necesito este plato. Este=This Ese=That Aquel=That (over there).

Answer 2

Hi Jaina and welcome to the forum,

Follow this link to see the rules

In reference to you specific question (that plate), realize the following:

• este/esta - this

• ese/esa - that

• "-e" endings are masculine/"-a" endings are feminine.

• el plato (plate) is masculine so replace the definite article "el" with the appropriate demonstrative adjective "ese" (that/masculine). Make since?