The function of demonstrative adjectives is to indicate the person, place or thing referred to (that boy, these cars, that building, etc.). Generally it is placed before the modified noun, and it must agree with the noun in gender and number. The following table lists the demonstrative adjectives in Spanish. As you read the list, keep in mind that Spanish speakers select the appropriate adjective based on how nearly (or directly concerned with) we are from the referred noun:
Demonstrative adjectives
Singular
Plural
este(m), esta(f)
estos(m), estas(f)
this, these
ese(m), esa(f)
esos(m), esas(f)
that, those
aquel(m), aquella(f)
aquellos(m), aquellas(f)
that, those
Note how we have three options for demonstrative adjectives. "Ese" and "aquel" are the equivalent of "that", but "aquel" expresses great remoteness and refers either to a distant object (aquel edificio) or past (en aquellos tiempos).
- Este coche es tuyo. (This car is yours.)
- ¿Es este tu abrigo? (Is this your coat?)
- Estos coches son muy veloces. (These cars are very fast.)
- Esta es su madre. (This is his/ her/their mother.)
Pay attention:
Demonstrative adjectives are generally placed before the noun. However, they may be placed after the noun when used in combination with a definite article. In this case, the definite article identifies the noun:
- No puedo encontrar el libro ese. (I can´t find that book.)
- No puedo encontrar ese libro. (I can´t find that book.)
- Quiero comprar la casa aquella. (I want to buy that house.)
- Quiero comprar aquella casa. (I want to buy that house.)
* * * * * * * *
When articles and adjectives are used together, they are used in the following order, counting from left to right:
3. Demonstratives
2. Possessives.
1. Quantifiers.
- Estas(3) mis(2) pocas(1) palabras cautivaron a la audiencia.
(These few words of mine captivated the audience.)
Now let´s use the same sentence, placing the possessive after the verb:
- Estas(3) pocas(1) palabras mías(2) cautivaron a la audiencia.
(These few words of mine captivated the audience.)
* * * * * * * *
We also use the demonstrative to "psychological distance" from something. In this case, the phrase has a pejorative sense:
- No empiezes con esa fracesita otra vez. (Don´t start with that phrase again.)
- Ahí vienen los chicos esos. (Here they come, those guys.)
- No sé qué haces con la chica aquella.
(I don´t know what are you doing with that girl.)
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