When would you use "este" instead of "esto" since they are both masculine and singular?
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John K.Kwiziq community member
When would you use "este" instead of "esto" since they are both masculine and singular?
This question relates to:Spanish lesson "Demonstrative adjectives: este, esta, estos, estas to say this/these in Spanish (Adjetivos demostrativos)"
Asked 6 years ago
InmaKwiziq team member
Hola John, ¡buena pregunta!
We use "este" to say "this" followed by a masculine singular noun, e.g´"Este hombre es muy alto" (This man is very tall). However "esto" is not followed by a noun, it refers to an "idea" or "situation" which has been mentioned before or it is obvious by the context. One simple sentence with "Esto" would be "Esto es terrible" (="This is terrible"). Imagine for example that you are stuck in traffic, or are witnessing something awful, then "Esto" would be referring to that specific situation. I hope it clarified your doubt.
InmaKwiziq team member
A separate lesson about "Esto" will be soon released, where it is tested separately because we understand it can be a bit confusing.
LauraKwiziq team member
Hola John -
In other words, este is a demonstrative adjective (modifies a noun) while esto is a demonstrative pronoun (replaces a noun). :-)
Kirstie F.Kwiziq community member
When I am asking, "What is this?' and indicating something that is a masculine noun (an eye, for example), should I say, "¿Qué es esto?" o "este"?
Gracias!
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