How do you say "that is"?

Question

Does "que es " mean "that is"? example: That is my brother. por ejemplo: Que es mi hermano.

Welcome to the forum, :) - 00494d19, Oct 4, 2011

Answer 1

The English "that" has several different functions/meanings (and, unsurprisingly, several different translations in Spanish [and other languages]). In "That is my brother." "that" is a demonstrative pronoun (usually corresponding to "ese"/"esa"/"aquel"/"aquella" [depending on the gender of the referent and its location relative to the speaker]). In "I hope that you will come.", it's a subordinating conjunction (introducing the clause "you will come") which is entirely different ("Espero que vendrás.)". In "I want that book.", it's a demonstrative adjective (although in Spanish it's, again, "esa"/aquella" [since book is feminine]).

When a word is used with several different meanings/functions in one language, it is unreasonable to expect that other languages will use a single word to cover all those same meanings/functions.

Answer 2

Hi maps, that would be:

Este es mi hermano

Thanks - maps, Oct 4, 2011

I would expect "Ese es mi hermano." - samdie, Oct 4, 2011

Answer 3

"That is" means "Que es" , But I think it's better to say "He is my brother" which means "Él es mi hermano"

Okay. Cool princess thing. - maps, Oct 4, 2011