The Basics of Demonstrative Pronouns in Portuguese
Portuguese uses three main demonstrative pronouns to indicate the relative distance of an object or person from the speaker and the listener. Unlike English, which mainly uses “this” (near) and “that” (far), Portuguese distinguishes between things that are near the speaker, near the listener, and far from both. The words you need to know are: este/esta/isto, esse/essa/isso, and aquele/aquela/aquilo.
Este/Esta/Isto: “This” (Near the Speaker)
The Portuguese words este (masculine), esta (feminine), and isto (neutral) refer to something that is close to the person speaking. Use these when you are talking about objects or people that are physically near you, the speaker.
- Este livro é interessante. (This book is interesting.)
- Esta cadeira é confortável. (This chair is comfortable.)
- O que é isto? (What is this?)
Esse/Essa/Isso: “That” (Near the Listener)
Use esse (masculine), essa (feminine), and isso (neutral) to refer to things that are close to the person you are talking to, but not to you. This is the equivalent of “that” when referencing something near your conversation partner.
- Esse caderno é seu? (Is that notebook yours?)
- Essa camisa é bonita. (That shirt is pretty.)
- O que é isso? (What is that?)
Aquele/Aquela/Aquilo: “That Over There” (Far from Both)
When referring to something that is distant from both the speaker and the listener, Portuguese uses aquele (masculine), aquela (feminine), and aquilo (neutral). Think of these as “that over there” in English, used for things far away from everyone involved in the conversation.
- Aquele prédio é antigo. (That building over there is old.)
- Aquela árvore é alta. (That tree over there is tall.)
- O que é aquilo lá? (What is that over there?)
Understanding Gender and Neutral Forms
Portuguese nouns have gender, so demonstrative pronouns must agree with the noun they refer to. Use este/esse/aquele for masculine nouns and esta/essa/aquela for feminine nouns. The neutral forms isto/isso/aquilo are used when referring to something not yet identified, abstract concepts, or when the gender is unknown.
Practical Tips for Mastering Portuguese Demonstratives
- Practice with real objects: Pick up objects around you and say their names with the appropriate demonstrative. For example, “este livro,” “essa caneta,” “aquela janela.”
- Use visuals: When talking with someone, gesture to reinforce the concept of distance and help internalize which pronoun to use.
- Listen to native speakers: Watch Brazilian or European Portuguese videos and pay attention to how demonstratives are used in conversation.
- Try interactive tools: Platforms like Talkpal offer practical exercises to help reinforce your understanding of these subtle differences.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is overusing “esse/essa/isso” and ignoring the distinction with “aquele/aquela/aquilo.” Remember, context is key. If you’re talking about something far away from both you and the listener, always choose the “aquele” forms. Also, make sure your demonstrative matches the gender of the noun.
Conclusion: Mastering the Subtleties
Understanding the difference between “this,” “that,” and “that over there” in Portuguese is essential for sounding natural and clear in conversation. By paying attention to distance and gender, and by practicing regularly, you’ll soon be able to use these pronouns with confidence. For more tips, practice exercises, and personalized feedback, check out resources like Talkpal to accelerate your Portuguese learning journey!
