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Questions and Answers
In Spanish, demonstrative adjectives come before the ______ they describe.
In Spanish, demonstrative adjectives come before the ______ they describe.
noun
When using demonstratives, it becomes 'este libro,' 'ese libro,' etc., with the word 'libro' being the ______.
When using demonstratives, it becomes 'este libro,' 'ese libro,' etc., with the word 'libro' being the ______.
noun
When referring to things that don't have a gender, we typically use the ______ form of demonstrative adjectives.
When referring to things that don't have a gender, we typically use the ______ form of demonstrative adjectives.
masculine
When a noun refers to a male person or thing, you'll use 'este' or 'aquí'; however, for a female person or thing, you'll use 'esa' or ______.
When a noun refers to a male person or thing, you'll use 'este' or 'aquí'; however, for a female person or thing, you'll use 'esa' or ______.
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Spanish has two grammatical genders: ______ and feminine.
Spanish has two grammatical genders: ______ and feminine.
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There are separate demonstrative adjectives for each gender, so when a noun refers to a male person or thing, you'll use 'este' or 'aquí'; however, for a female person or thing, you'll use 'esa' or ______.
There are separate demonstrative adjectives for each gender, so when a noun refers to a male person or thing, you'll use 'este' or 'aquí'; however, for a female person or thing, you'll use 'esa' or ______.
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If you want to talk about a single object close at hand, you'll use '_____'
If you want to talk about a single object close at hand, you'll use '_____'
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Examples: 'este árbol' (this tree), 'estas cajas' (these boxes) demonstrate the use of the demonstrative adjective '_____'
Examples: 'este árbol' (this tree), 'estas cajas' (these boxes) demonstrate the use of the demonstrative adjective '_____'
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If you want to talk about several objects farther away from the speaker, you'll use '_____'
If you want to talk about several objects farther away from the speaker, you'll use '_____'
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Examples: 'ese perro' (that dog), 'esas esquinas' (those corners) illustrate the use of the demonstrative adjective '_____'
Examples: 'ese perro' (that dog), 'esas esquinas' (those corners) illustrate the use of the demonstrative adjective '_____'
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'_____' can only be used for objects farther away still or non-specific, and it can only be singular.
'_____' can only be used for objects farther away still or non-specific, and it can only be singular.
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An example of '_____' used in a sentence is 'aquel coche' (that car).
An example of '_____' used in a sentence is 'aquel coche' (that car).
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Study Notes
Demonstrative Adjectives in Spanish
Demonstrative adjectives in Spanish are used to point out specific people, places, things, or ideas from their context. They serve as adjectives by defining a noun, pronoun, or other parts of speech, and they function demonstratively by indicating distance, proximity, visibility, or familiarity. In Spanish, there are four main demonstrative adjectives:
- Este (this)
- Ese (that)
- Aquél (yonder, far away, or distant)
- Aquélla (distant female)
These demonstrate how close or remote something is, making them useful when trying to convey spatial relationships within sentences.
Placement Before Nouns
In Spanish, demonstrative adjectives come before the noun they describe—just like any regular adjective would. For example, if you want to say "the red book," you'd say "el rojo libro." When using demonstratives, it becomes "este libro," "ese libro," etc., with the word "libro" being the noun.
Masculine vs Feminine Forms
Spanish has two grammatical genders: masculine and feminine. As such, there are separate demonstrative adjectives for each gender. This means that when a noun refers to a male person or thing, you'll use "este" or "aquí"; however, for a female person or thing, you'll use "esa" or "aquella." Additionally, when referring to things that don't have a gender (like a chair), we typically use the masculine form because it is more common.
Singular vs Plural Forms
There are also different forms of these demonstrative adjectives depending on whether they refer to one item or multiple items. If you want to talk about a single object, you'll use "este," "ese," "aquíl," or "aquella." However, if you want to talk about several objects, you'll use "estos," "esos," "aquiles," or "aquellas" instead.
Differences Between Este, Ese, Aquel
The three most commonly used demonstrative adjectives are "este," "ese," and "aquel." Here's a breakdown of what they mean:
- Este – Close at hand, near the speaker. It can be either singular or plural. Examples: "este arbol" (this tree), "estas cajas" (these boxes).
- Ese – Furthermore or farther away from the speaker. It can also be singular or plural. Examples: "ese perro" (that dog), "esas esquinas" (those corners).
- Aquel – Farther away still, or non-specific. It can only be singular. Example: "aquel coche" (that car).
While these rules may seem complex at first glance, once you understand the basics, using demonstrative adjectives in Spanish becomes much easier.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Spanish demonstrative adjectives with this quiz. Learn about the placement, masculine vs feminine forms, singular vs plural forms, and differences between 'este,' 'ese,' and 'aquel.' Enhance your understanding of how these adjectives indicate distance, proximity, visibility, or familiarity within sentences.
