"Este" or "Éste"?

Question

I was taught that the word "éste" meaning "this one" (the demonstrative pronoun) always carries an accent. However, I am now seeing that when capitalized, the word "éste" is written as "Este", without the accent. Can I please get some clarification? It's sort of urgent...

Welcome to the forum:) - 00494d19, Nov 14, 2010

thanks.. - bunnaz, Nov 14, 2010

Answer 1

i think it is the same

So in teaching this, what would I tell the students?? Those without the accents are the demonstrative adjectives, while those with the accents are the demonstrative pronouns.. - bunnaz, Nov 14, 2010

Answer 2

Welcome to the forum, bunna.

This used to be the case, pronouns used to carry an accent whereas adjectives didn't. But then the spelling reform came along and now we do not use accent unless it is essential to see the difference in meaning, for example in solo.

thanks ;) so are you saying that the demonstrative pronouns and the demonstrative adjectives are written the same? - bunnaz, Nov 14, 2010

Unless there is an ambiguity, yes, they are written the same now. - lazarus1907, Nov 14, 2010