The Basics: What Are “deste” and “desse”?
Both “deste” and “desse” are contractions commonly used in Portuguese. They are formed by combining the preposition “de” (of, from) with the demonstrative pronouns “este” (this) and “esse” (that), respectively. Their main function is to indicate possession or origin related to a specific object or context.
Formation
- Deste = de (of, from) + este (this)
- Desse = de (of, from) + esse (that)
Understanding Demonstratives: “Este” vs “Esse”
The key to distinguishing “deste” from “desse” lies in understanding the demonstratives “este” and “esse”. In Portuguese, demonstratives are used to show the relative position of an object to the speaker and listener.
- Este/esta/estes/estas: Refer to something close to the speaker (“this/these”).
- Esse/essa/esses/essas: Refer to something close to the listener or previously mentioned (“that/those”).
Therefore, “deste” refers to something near the speaker, while “desse” refers to something near the listener or something previously mentioned in the conversation.
When to Use “Deste”
Use “deste” when you are referring to something that is close to the person who is speaking. It translates to “of this” or “from this” in English and is typically used when the object or idea is physically or contextually near the speaker.
Examples:
- O cheiro deste perfume é maravilhoso. (The smell of this perfume is wonderful.)
- Gosto muito deste livro. (I really like this book.)
- Preciso deste documento agora. (I need this document now.)
When to Use “Desse”
Use “desse” when referring to something that is closer to the listener or has already been mentioned in the conversation. In English, it is similar to “of that” or “from that”.
Examples:
- O que você acha desse filme? (What do you think of that film?)
- Não gostei desse restaurante. (I did not like that restaurant.)
- Pode me dar um pedaço desse bolo? (Can you give me a piece of that cake?)
Quick Comparison Table
| Word | Refers to | English Equivalent | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| deste | Near the speaker | of this/from this | O sabor deste chá é ótimo. (The flavor of this tea is great.) |
| desse | Near the listener or previously mentioned | of that/from that | Preciso desse papel. (I need that paper.) |
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Context is key: Always consider the proximity of the object to the speaker or listener.
- Practice with dialogues: Pay attention to dialogues in movies, books, or language learning apps like Talkpal to see how natives use “deste” and “desse”.
- Don’t mix them up: Remember that using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence or make it sound unnatural.
Conclusion
The distinction between “deste” and “desse” is subtle but important for clear and accurate communication in Portuguese. By understanding the connection to the speaker and listener, and practicing with real-life examples, you’ll be able to use these contractions confidently. For more tips and interactive exercises, be sure to explore language resources like the Talkpal AI language learning blog, where you can deepen your understanding and enhance your Portuguese skills.
