Demonstratives: este, ese, aquel
This and that
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
This and that
este/esta point to something near the speaker. ese/esa and aquel/aquella point farther away. They agree in gender and number.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Close to you
Use este/esta for things right here.
Quiero este café.
I want this coffee.
Farther away
Use ese/esa for things at a distance.
Mira esa casa.
Look at that house.
Common mix-ups
Use aquel for things far away, not este.
I want that book over there.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
These chairs here are comfortable.
Show one possible answer
Estas sillas son cómodas.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
See this rule in a story
View all stories →These passages demonstrate this rule in action. Open any story to read the full context with synchronized audio.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice Spanish grammar in context
Fabling builds stories and podcast lessons around your vocabulary, interests, and learning progress.
Your first personalized story is free. No card needed.