How to Say "that thing" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “that thing” is “aquello” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Aquello que dijiste me hizo pensar mucho.
That thing you said made me think a lot.
No quiero volver a hablar de aquello.
I don't want to talk about that (situation) again.
Aquello era la década de los ochenta, cuando las cosas eran diferentes.
That was the eighties, when things were different.
The Neutral Demonstrative
Aquello is the 'neutral' form. This means it doesn't refer to a specific masculine or feminine noun, but rather to an abstract idea, a concept, or an entire situation you just mentioned. It always stays the same (it’s invariable).
Distance in Time or Space
Like its gendered counterparts (aquel/aquella), 'aquello' is used to talk about things that are far away from both the speaker and the listener, often referring to a distant past or a vague memory.
Aquello vs. Aquel
Mistake: “Using 'Aquel' (the masculine form) when referring to a whole idea: 'Aquel fue un error.'”
Correction: Use 'Aquello' for abstract ideas: 'Aquello fue un error.' (That [whole situation] was a mistake.) Reserve 'aquel' for specific masculine nouns: 'Aquel libro es mío.' (That book is mine.)
Related Translations
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