How to Say "this" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “this” is “este” — use 'este' before a masculine singular noun to point it out or identify it..
este
/ES-teh//ˈeste/
Examples
Este coche es mío.
This car is mine.
Este libro es muy interesante.
This book is very interesting.
¿Te gusta este coche?
Do you like this car?
Voy a comprar este pantalón.
I'm going to buy this pair of pants.
Pointing Out Masculine Things
'Este' goes before a masculine word (like 'libro' or 'coche') to point out something close to you. Think of it as the 'this' for 'he' words.
Stays Close
Use 'este' for things that are physically or metaphorically close to you, the speaker. If it's closer to the person you're talking to, you'd use 'ese'.
Mixing Up Genders
Mistake: “Using 'este' with a feminine word: "este casa es bonita".”
Correction: Match the gender! Use 'esta' for feminine words: "esta casa es bonita". 'Este' is only for masculine words.
esto
/ESS-toh//ˈesto/
Examples
¿Qué es esto?
What is this?
Esto es para ti.
This is for you.
No entiendo esto.
I don't understand this.
The 'Gender-Neutral' Pointer Word
'Esto' is special because it doesn't have a gender. You use it to talk about ideas, situations, or objects when you don't know or don't need to mention if they are masculine or feminine.
Mixing up 'esto', 'este', and 'esta'
Mistake: “Me gusta esto libro.”
Correction: Me gusta este libro. Use 'este' for masculine things ('libro') and 'esta' for feminine things ('casa'). Use 'esto' only when it stands alone, not describing another word.
Examples
No esperaba que fuera así de difícil.
I didn't expect it to be this difficult.
est
/est//est/
Examples
El sol sale por el **est**.
The sun rises in the East.
El puerto está al **est** de la ciudad.
The port is east of the city.
Nota: **est** problema debe resolverse mañana.
Note: this problem must be solved tomorrow. (Used in a quick note)
Written Shorthand
This abbreviation is used to save space in written notes or technical documents, but it is not a word you should use when speaking standard Spanish. Always say or write the full word 'este'.
Do Not Confuse with the Verb 'Están'
Mistake: “Writing 'est' when you mean 'he/she/it is' (está).”
Correction: The verb form is 'está' (with an accent mark on the 'a'). 'Est' without an accent is only an abbreviation for 'este' (this/east). Never drop the accent on the verb form!
Choosing Between 'Este' and 'Esto'
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