Este, Esse, and Aquele: Portuguese Words for “This” and “That” — Practice

Match the demonstrative to the noun

Demonstratives point to a person, object, place, or idea. They agree with the noun: este livro, esta mesa, estes livros, estas mesas. The matching forms for esse are esse, essa, esses, essas; for aquele, use aquele, aquela, aqueles, aquelas.

Learn the demonstrative with an article-like noun phrase and say it aloud. The ending helps you identify whether the noun is masculine or feminine and singular or plural. This agreement remains useful even when the distance distinction becomes flexible in conversation.

Use este for something close or being introduced

A traditional guide uses este/esta for something close to the speaker or being introduced in the conversation. You might hold an object and say este celular (this phone), or introduce a question with esta ideia (this idea). The forms follow the noun they describe.

In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the exact distance contrast between este and esse may be less strict than in formal grammar descriptions. Recognize both forms, use este for a clear “this” reference, and pay attention to how people around you choose them.

Use esse and aquele to point by context or distance

Esse/essa often points to something near the listener or already mentioned: esse endereço (that address) or essa ideia (that idea). Aquele/aquela traditionally points to something farther from both people: aquela montanha (that mountain over there). In everyday conversation, gesture and shared context often make the reference clear.

Use the same agreement pattern for plural nouns: esses/essas and aqueles/aquelas. When you refer to an idea already mentioned, esse can point back to it even when physical distance is not involved.

Use demonstratives in a real exchange

Point to three objects: one near you, one near the listener, and one farther away. Describe each with a demonstrative and the correct noun ending. Then refer to an idea from the previous sentence using esse or essa. This makes agreement and reference part of the same practical exercise.

Compare this topic with Real Life Portuguese guides to noun gender, articles, and color agreement. I Speak Portuguese teacher sessions can help you practice selecting a demonstrative naturally. In a conversation, prioritize clarity and point or name the object if the reference could be misunderstood.

Remember: Choose este, esse, or aquele by context and distance, and match its ending to the noun: este livro, essa mesa, aqueles lugares.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. This key opens the door.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Esta chave abre a porta.

2. Those books are from the library.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Esses livros são da biblioteca.

3. Those houses are at the top of the street.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Aquelas casas ficam no alto da rua.

4. This coffee is still hot.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Este café ainda está quente.

5. This is my first class.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Esta é a minha primeira aula.

6. These documents need a signature.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Estes documentos precisam de assinatura.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Choose este, esse, or aquele by context and distance, and match its ending to the noun: este livro, essa mesa, aqueles lugares.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Este, Esse, and Aquele: Portuguese Words for “This” and “That” lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.