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How to Say "the one" in Spanish

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el

/el//el/

PronounA2General
Use 'el' when referring back to a previously mentioned masculine noun, often in response to a question about preference.
A hand pointing to a specific blue shirt on a clothing rack that also holds a red shirt, illustrating the choice of 'the one'.

Examples

¿Cuál bolígrafo quieres? Quiero el azul.

Which pen do you want? I want the blue one.

¿Cuál coche prefieres? Prefiero el rojo.

Which car do you prefer? I prefer the red one.

Mi teléfono es viejo. El de mi hermana es nuevo.

My phone is old. My sister's (the one of my sister) is new.

El que no arriesga, no gana.

The one who doesn't risk, doesn't win.

A Shortcut Word

'El' can stand in for a masculine noun you've already mentioned, so you don't have to say it again. It's like saying 'the one' in English.

Common Patterns: 'el que' and 'el de'

You'll almost always see this use of 'el' followed by 'que' (that/who) or 'de' (of/from) to add more information about 'the one' you're talking about.

Omitting the Pronoun

Mistake: “No me gusta este libro, prefiero de la biblioteca.”

Correction: 'No me gusta este libro, prefiero el de la biblioteca.' You need 'el' to mean 'the one' from the library.

ésa

PronounA2General
Use 'ésa' when pointing out or choosing between two or more options, especially when the item is further away or has just been mentioned as a distinct alternative.

Examples

Tenemos dos casas. Ésta es mía y ésa es tuya.

We have two houses. This one is mine and that one is yours.

Choosing between 'el' and 'ésa'

Learners often confuse 'el' and 'ésa' because both can stand in for a noun. Remember, 'el' replaces a specific *masculine* noun already understood from context, while 'ésa' is used for *choices* or pointing out something specific, especially when contrasting items.

Related Translations

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