Este vs. Esto: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 13, 2024

"Este" is a Spanish demonstrative adjective or pronoun meaning "this" for masculine singular nouns, while "Esto" is a neuter demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this thing."

Este vs. Esto

Key Differences

"Este" is used in Spanish as a demonstrative adjective to describe a masculine singular noun that is close to the speaker, such as "este libro" (this book). "Esto," however, is a neuter pronoun used when the gender of the referred object is unknown or irrelevant, as in "¿Qué es esto?" (What is this?).

Feb 13, 2024

In grammar, "Este" agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, thus only used with masculine singular nouns. In contrast, "Esto" does not change form as it is a neuter pronoun and does not accompany a noun directly.

Feb 13, 2024

"Este" can also function as a demonstrative pronoun, replacing a noun, as in "Este es mi coche" (This is my car), where it stands for a masculine noun mentioned earlier. "Esto" is used to refer to a situation or abstract idea, as in "Esto es importante" (This is important).

Feb 13, 2024

When pointing out a specific object or person near the speaker, "Este" is used, emphasizing proximity, like "Este hombre" (this man). "Esto," however, is often used in more general or abstract contexts where the object or concept is not specifically identified.

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The choice between "Este" and "Esto" depends on the context: "Este" for specific, masculine, singular nouns nearby, and "Esto" for unspecified, abstract, or neutral ideas or objects.

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Comparison Chart

Grammatical Role

Demonstrative adjective or pronoun

Neuter demonstrative pronoun

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Gender and Number

Masculine, singular

Neuter, no change

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Usage

With specific, masculine singular nouns

For abstract, unspecified ideas or things

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Example Context

"Este perro" (this dog)

"¿Qué es esto?" (What is this?)

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Function in Sentence

Modifies or replaces a masculine noun

Stands for an unspecified or abstract idea

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Este and Esto Definitions

Este

Used to specify a particular item or person close by.

Este coche es rápido (This car is fast).

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Esto

Introduces a new idea or subject in a conversation.

Esto te va a interesar (This is going to interest you).

Jan 11, 2024

Este

Refers to a specific, known entity in a conversation.

Este me gusta más (I like this one more).

Jan 11, 2024

Esto

Neuter demonstrative pronoun for unspecified or abstract ideas.

Esto es crucial (This is crucial).

Jan 11, 2024

Este

Demonstrative pronoun replacing a masculine, singular noun.

Este es el que quiero (This is the one I want).

Jan 11, 2024

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Esto

Used for emphasis in an explanation or argument.

Esto es exactamente lo que necesitamos (This is exactly what we need).

Jan 11, 2024

Este

Demonstrative adjective for masculine, singular nouns near the speaker.

Este libro es interesante (This book is interesting).

Jan 11, 2024

Esto

Used when the gender of the referred object is unknown.

No sé qué es esto (I don’t know what this is).

Jan 11, 2024

Este

Emphasizes proximity or immediate relevance.

Este problema necesita atención (This problem needs attention).

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Esto

Refers to an abstract concept or situation.

Esto cambia todo (This changes everything).

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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is "Esto" used for things that are far away?

No, "Esto" is typically used for things without specifying distance.

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Is "Este" always used for masculine nouns?

Yes, "Este" is used with masculine, singular nouns.

Feb 13, 2024

Can "Esto" be used for both masculine and feminine nouns?

Yes, "Esto" is neuter and used when gender is unspecified or irrelevant.

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Is "Este" used in formal or informal contexts?

It can be used in both, depending on the noun it accompanies.

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Does "Este" change form in plural?

Yes, it becomes "Estos" for masculine, plural nouns.

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Can "Esto" refer to a specific object?

It's more often used for unspecified objects or abstract ideas.

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Can "Esto" be used to refer to a feeling or emotion?

Yes, it can refer to abstract concepts like feelings.

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How does "Este" differ from "Ese"?

"Este" is for items near the speaker, while "Ese" is for items farther away.

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How do I know when to use "Este" or "Esto"?

Use "Este" for specific masculine objects and "Esto" for neutral or abstract concepts.

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Can "Esto" introduce a new topic in a conversation?

Yes, it's often used to introduce new ideas or subjects.

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Is there a feminine form of "Este"?

Yes, the feminine form is "Esta."

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Can "Este" be used as a pronoun?

Yes, "Este" can replace a masculine, singular noun as a pronoun.

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Can "Esto" be plural?

No, "Esto" is always singular and neuter.

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Does "Este" imply closeness?

Yes, it often indicates that the noun is physically or contextually close.

Feb 13, 2024

Is "Este" appropriate for describing an event?

Only if the event is represented by a masculine, singular noun.

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Can "Este" refer to time, like "this morning"?

Yes, if combined with a masculine, singular time-related noun.

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Is "Esto" used in questions?

Yes, especially in questions about unidentified objects or ideas.

Feb 13, 2024

Can "Esto" be used to refer to a situation?

Yes, it's commonly used for situations or abstract concepts.

Feb 13, 2024

Does "Esto" have different forms for gender or number?

No, "Esto" remains the same regardless of gender or number.

Feb 13, 2024

Can "Este" be used without a noun?

Yes, as a pronoun replacing a previously mentioned masculine noun.

Feb 13, 2024

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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