Éste and ésta are Spanish words that are used to refer to a person, place, or thing in the masculine and feminine gender, respectively. If you are learning Spanish, it is essential to learn the usage of these words as they are commonly used in everyday conversation. In this article, we will explore everything about these words and compare them to understand the difference between them.
Usage of Éste
Éste is used to refer to a masculine person, place or thing, which is close to the speaker. It can be used as a subject, object, or pronoun.
As a subject:
– Este chico es mi hermano. (This boy is my brother.)
– Este perro es muy amigable. (This dog is very friendly.)
As an object:
– Voy a llevar este libro al colegio. (I am going to take this book to college.)
– Quiero comprar este auto. (I want to buy this car.)
As a pronoun:
– ¿Qué opinas de estos zapatos? Tengo dudas sobre si comprarlos o no. (What do you think of these shoes? I am not sure if I should buy them or not.)
– Este es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad. (This is the city’s best restaurant.)
Usage of Ésta
Ésta is used to refer to a feminine person, place or thing, which is close to the speaker. It can also be used as a subject, object, or pronoun.
As a subject:
– Esta chica es mi amiga. (This girl is my friend.)
– Esta calle es muy ruidosa. (This street is very noisy.)
As an object:
– Voy a comprar esta falda. (I am going to buy this skirt.)
– Me gustaría visitar esta playa. (I would like to visit this beach.)
As a pronoun:
– ¿Has probado esta comida? Es deliciosa. (Have you tried this food? It is delicious.)
– Esta es la última oportunidad que tienes para hacerlo bien. (This is the last chance you have to do it right.)
Comparing Éste and Ésta
Éste and ésta are both used to refer to a person, place, or thing, but they differ in gender. While éste is used for the masculine gender, ésta is used for the feminine gender.
For example:
– Éste es mi amigo. (This is my friend.)
– Ésta es mi amiga. (This is my friend.)
Another difference is the placement of the accent mark; éste has an accent on the letter E, while ésta has an accent on the letter A.
Examples of Éste and Ésta
Here are some additional examples of how to use éste and ésta in Spanish:
– Este edificio es muy alto. (This building is very tall.)
– Esta casa es muy bonita. (This house is very beautiful.)
– Este postre es delicioso. (This dessert is delicious.)
– Esta ensalada es muy saludable. (This salad is very healthy.)
– Este libro es muy interesante. (This book is very interesting.)
– Esta película es muy emocionante. (This movie is very exciting.)
FAQs about Éste and Ésta
What is the difference between ese, aquel and este, esta in Spanish?
Ese is used to refer to a masculine person, place, or thing that is far from the speaker. Aquel is used to refer to a masculine person, place, or thing, which is far away from both the speaker and the listener. Este and ésta are used to refer to a person, place, or thing that is close to the speaker.
For example:
– Ese auto es muy veloz. (That car is very fast.)
– Aquel restaurante es muy caro. (That restaurant is very expensive.)
– Este chocolate es muy dulce. (This chocolate is very sweet.)
Is the accent important in Spanish?
Yes, the accent is important in Spanish, as it can change the meaning of a word. For example, sé (with an accent mark) means “to know,” while se (without an accent mark) means “himself” or “herself.”
Final Words
In conclusion, éste and ésta are important Spanish words used to refer to a person, place, or thing in the masculine and feminine gender, respectively. It is crucial to learn the correct usage of these words as it is commonly used in daily conversations. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can improve your understanding of these words and enrich your Spanish vocabulary.