A demonstrative adjective always accompanies a noun. In the phrase, "Este carro (this car)", the demonstrative adjective, "este", explains which car you are talking about (this car).
Singular
Plural
este
estos
this, these (m)
esta
estas
this, these (f)
ese
esos
that, those (m)
esa
esas
that, those (f)
aquel
aquellos
that over there, those over there (m)
aquella
aquellas
that over there, those over there (f)
m - masculine
f - feminine
Let's look at some example sentences.
Este libro es bueno.
This book is good.
Estos platos son grandes.
These plates are big.
Quiero enviar esta postal.
I want to send this postcard.
Quiero estas revistas.
I want these magazines.
Quiero aquel coche.
I want that car. (over there)
Quiero aquellos periódicos.
I want those newspapers. (over there)
Quiero aquella silla.
I want that chair. (over there)
Quiero aquellas faldas.
I want those skirts. (over there)
Quick Explanation
A demonstrative adjective always accompanies a noun. In the phrase: Este carro, the demonstrative adjective "este" explains which car you are talking about (this car).
Close to the speaker
singular
plural
Masculine
este (this)
estos (these)
Feminine
esta (this)
estas (these)
Away from the speaker
singular
plural
Masculine
ese(that)
esos (those)
Feminine
esa (that)
esas (those)
Far from the speaker
singular
plural
Masculine
aquel (that over there)
aquellos (those over there)
Feminine
aquella (that over there)
aquellas (those over there)
Long Explanation
Demonstrative adjectives don't use an accent. This rule is applied only on pronouns. Let's look at some examples:
Me gusta este perro. - I like this dog.
Prefiero estas computadoras. - I prefer these computers.
Voy a comprar ese coche. - I'm going to buy that car.
Me gustan aquellas casas. - I like those houses.
Me gustan aquellos gatos. - I like those male cats over there.
Notice that demonstrative adjectives are also determined by number and gender.
Prefiero este suéter - I prefer this sweater.(masculine, singular)
Prefiero estos suéteres - I prefer these sweaters.(masculine, plural)
Prefiero esta blusa - I prefer this blouse.(feminine, singular)
Prefiero estas blusas - I prefer these blouses.(feminine, plural)
Note:If the Demonstrative does not have a noun next to it, then it becomes a pronoun. This is explained in the Demonstrative Pronouns lesson.
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