Quick Answer
As the name implies, Spanish demonstrative adjectives demonstrate a quality about the noun they modify. In this case, that quality is the location in respect to the speaker or the listener. Spanish demonstrative adjectives can be translated as this, that, these, or those.
Demonstrative Adjective Forms
Spanish has three sets of demonstrative adjectives, each of which has four different forms that vary by gender and number.
1. Este
Este is used to describe a noun that is close to the speaker and listener. It is normally used to talk about something within reaching distance of the speaker.
Here are the four forms este can take in Spanish.
Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural
este (this) esta (this) estos (these) estas (these)
Check out these examples with different forms of este.
Este restaurante es mi favorito.
This restaurant is my favorite.
Esta blusa es muy bonita.
This blouse is very pretty.
¡Estos burritos son fantásticos!
These burritos are fantastic!
Estas paletas son ricas.
These popsicles are delicious.
2. Ese
Ese is used to point out nouns that are further from the speaker and not easily within reach. The noun may be close to the listener, but not the speaker.
Here are the four forms ese can take in Spanish.
Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural
ese (that) esa (that) esos (those) esas (those)
Check out these examples with different forms of ese.
Quiero ese helado blanco.
I want that white ice cream.
Tráeme esa camisa, por favor.
Bring me that shirt, please.
Esos monos son cómicos.
Those monkeys are funny.
Esas flores son mis favoritas.
Those flowers are my favorites.
3. Aquel
Aquel is used to talk about nouns that are far away from both the speaker and the listener.
Here are the four forms aquel can take in Spanish.
Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural
aquel (that over there) aquella (that over there) aquellos (those over there) aquellas (those over there)
Check out these examples with different forms of aquel.
Aquel león es peligroso.
That lion over there is dangerous.
Aquella chica es muy guapa.
That girl over there is really pretty.
Aquellos edificios son los más viejos de la ciudad.
Those buildings over there are the oldest in the city.
Aquellas nubes se ven rojas.
Those clouds over there look red.
Demonstrative Adjective Placement
Demonstrative adjectives are typically placed immediately before the nouns they modify.
Estos libros y esos periódicos son buenos.
These books and those magazines are good.
Esta casa y aquel apartamento son lindos.
This house and that apartment over there are nice.
