How to Say "it" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “it” is “lo” — use 'lo' when 'it' refers to a masculine singular noun that has already been mentioned..
lo
/loh//lo/
Examples
¿Tienes el libro? Sí, lo tengo.
Do you have the book? Yes, I have it.
Vi a tu amigo en el parque. Lo saludé.
I saw your friend in the park. I said hello to him.
Si quieres el coche, cómpralo.
If you want the car, buy it.
Replacing Masculine Things
Use 'lo' to replace a single masculine noun (one that uses 'el') that receives the action of a verb. It's the Spanish way of saying 'it' or 'him' in these situations.
Where Does 'lo' Go?
'Lo' usually goes right before the verb. For example, 'Lo compro' (I buy it). If you have two verbs together, it can also attach to the end of the second one: 'Voy a comprarlo' (I'm going to buy it).
Using 'lo' for Feminine Things
Mistake: “Vi la película y lo recomendé.”
Correction: Vi la película y la recomendé. (I saw the movie and I recommended it.) Remember that 'lo' is for masculine things ('el'). For feminine things ('la'), you need to use 'la'.
eso
/eh-so//'eso/
Examples
¿Qué es eso?
What is that?
No me gusta eso.
I don't like that.
Eso es muy interesante.
That is very interesting.
Pointing Out Ideas or Things
'Eso' means 'that' and is used to talk about things that are a medium distance away from you, or to refer to a situation or idea you just mentioned.
'Esto', 'Eso', & 'Aquello'
Think of them as levels of distance: 'esto' is for 'this' (close to me), 'eso' is for 'that' (a bit further away), and 'aquello' is for 'that over there' (far away).
The 'Neutral' Pointer Word
'Eso' is special because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. Use it for unknown objects, abstract ideas, or whole situations.
Using 'Eso' for Specific Nouns
Mistake: “Me gusta eso coche.”
Correction: Use 'ese' for masculine things ('ese coche') and 'esa' for feminine things ('esa casa'). 'Eso' is for when you don't know the gender or are talking about an idea, not a specific noun.
la
/la//la/
Examples
¿Conoces a Ana? Sí, la conozco.
Do you know Ana? Yes, I know her.
Compré la camisa ayer y ya la perdí.
I bought the shirt yesterday and I already lost it.
Señora, ¿la puedo ayudar?
Ma'am, can I help you?
Replacing a Noun
This 'la' is a shortcut. Instead of repeating a feminine noun, you can replace it with 'la'. For example, instead of 'Veo a la chica', you can say 'La veo' (I see her).
Where Does It Go?
Usually, 'la' goes right before the action word (the verb). 'La llamo' (I call her). With commands or two-verb phrases, you can attach it to the end: '¡Llámala!' (Call her!) or 'Voy a llamarla' (I'm going to call her).
Confusing 'la' and 'le'
Mistake: “La doy un regalo a mi mamá.”
Correction: Le doy un regalo a mi mamá. Use 'la' for who/what *receives the direct action* (I see HER). Use 'le' for who/what something is done *to* or *for* (I give a gift TO HER).
ello
/EY-yo//'e.ʎo/
Examples
Hablamos de su renuncia y todo lo relacionado con ello.
We talked about his resignation and everything related to it.
No quiero pensar en ello ahora.
I don't want to think about it now.
Para ello, necesitamos más tiempo.
For that, we need more time.
The 'It' for Ideas, Not Things
Use 'ello' to refer back to a whole idea, situation, or concept you just mentioned, not a specific masculine or feminine object. Think of it as a formal way to say 'that whole thing'.
Best Friends with Prepositions
You'll almost always see 'ello' right after a short connecting word (a preposition) like 'de', 'con', 'por', or 'en'. For example, 'No me preocupo por ello' (I'm not worried about it).
Using 'Ello' for Objects
Mistake: “Vi el coche y ello era rojo.”
Correction: Vi el coche y era rojo. (Why: 'Ello' is for ideas. Since 'coche' is a masculine thing ('el coche'), you don't need a pronoun. Just say 'era rojo'.)
Overusing 'Ello' in Conversation
Mistake: “¿Te gustó el concierto? Ello fue increíble.”
Correction: ¿Te gustó el concierto? Eso fue increíble. (Why: In everyday chat, 'ello' sounds very formal. 'Eso' is the natural choice for referring to 'that' or 'it' when talking about an event or idea.)
Masculine vs. Feminine 'It'
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