What is the difference between "este" & "esto" ?

Question

the dictionary meaning appears identical. How is usage different? do they both just mean "this"?

Answer 1

One critical difference between the two is that este can be either an adjective or a pronoun.

Este libro (this: adjective)

Este es... (this thing/ this male person: pronoun)

Esto is always a pronoun.

Esto es.... (this thing: pronoun)

The pronouns with gender (éste, ésta, éstos, éstas, aquél,, etc.) used to carry tildes, but they are no longer recommended)

The neuter pronouns esto/ eso/ aquello do not have tildes. (nor did they in the past)

Answer 2

Yes they both mean "this" but remember that nouns in Spanish have gender.

Este libro.

Esta pluma.

Esto is the neuter form. Use it for things that don't have gender, such as abstract things/ideas or when you don't know the gender of the noun .

Esto es verdad.

Answer 3

Este is masculine while esta is the feminine version of the word.