Accent mark on adjectives

Question

I am confused about when to put an accent mark on the beginning "E" in the adjective "esta." I have come across the following two sentences. Is one of them wrong? If so, whch one? and, why? Esta es la maquina trilladora. Ésta es mi cuchara.

I would very much appreciate any help on this.

Gracias por su ayuda,

Jim

Answer 1

Because 'Ésta es mi cuchara' uses the word as a pronoun. It's not really needed anymore according to el RAE (unless there is confusion somehow). Ésta (this one) is my spoon. 'Ésta' is taking the place of that specific spoon, making it a pronoun.

When you see esta/este with an accented é... think this (one) [pronoun]

Esta es la maquina trilladora - Here it is an demonstrative adjective (aka, it's used to point at something)

Hope I made a fraction of sense.

Nice explanation! When pointing at something, however, it´s just as common to use "Aquí está ...." or "Aquí tenemos ......" - 005faa61, Jun 5, 2012

Thanks. A demonstrative adjective's function is to point at something. I think one could also say "Aquí tienes" - sinsonte, Jun 5, 2012