Introduction
Demonstratives tell us which thing we are talking about: near, far, or somewhere in between. This article explains Brazilian Portuguese demonstratives for things near and far, with clear rules, practical examples, and beginner tips to help you recognize and use them in real conversations, menus, signs, and messages.
- What are demonstratives and why they matter
- When to use each demonstrative
- Demonstrative pronouns vs demonstrative adjectives
- Common beginner contexts and example phrases
- Agreement: gender and number explained
- Practical beginner tips
- Short practice exercises (self-check)
- How demonstratives show tone and emphasis
- Useful quick reference list
- Conclusion
What are demonstratives and why they matter
Demonstratives are words that point to things. In English we use this, that, these, those. In Brazilian Portuguese the system is slightly different and includes a middle option for items near the listener. Learning demonstratives early helps you understand and be understood in shopping, directions, and everyday chat.
Basic demonstrative forms in Brazilian Portuguese
The three core demonstratives are este/esta (near the speaker), esse/essa (near the listener or mid-range), and aquele/aquela (far from both). Each one agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Masculine singular: este, esse, aquele
Feminine singular: esta, essa, aquela
Masculine plural: estes, esses, aqueles
Feminine plural: estas, essas, aquelas
When to use each demonstrative
Use este/esta for things close to the speaker
Use este and esta when the object is physically or temporally near the speaker. Think of something you hold or point to while speaking.
Example: Esta caneta é minha.
Translation: This pen is mine.
Example: Este café está quente.
Translation: This coffee is hot.
Use esse/essa for things near the listener or recent context
Use esse and essa when the object is closer to the listener, or when referring to something already mentioned. In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, esse/essa is very common for what the listener knows.
Example: Você quer essa cadeira?
Translation: Do you want that chair?
Example: Achei esse livro ontem.
Translation: I found that book yesterday.
Use aquele/aquela for things far from both
Use aquele and aquela for items far from speaker and listener, or to indicate something more distant in time or context.
Example: Aquela casa no alto da colina é bonita.
Translation: That house on the hill is beautiful.
Example: Lembra daquele dia no parque?
Translation: Do you remember that day at the park?
Demonstrative pronouns vs demonstrative adjectives
Demonstratives can modify nouns (adjectival) or replace them (pronominal). The forms are the same, but context matters.
Adjective example: Esta camisa é nova. (This shirt is new.)
Pronoun example: Esta é nova. (This one is new.)
Neuter demonstrative isto, isso, aquilo
Brazilian Portuguese also has neuter forms used when there is no specific noun, like referring to a situation, idea, or unknown thing. These are isto (near speaker), isso (near listener), and aquilo (far).
Example: Isto é importante.
Translation: This (thing I’m showing) is important.
Example: Isso não faz sentido.
Translation: That doesn’t make sense.
Example: Aquilo aconteceu ontem.
Translation: That happened yesterday.
Common beginner contexts and example phrases
At a coffee shop or restaurant
These short phrases come up often when ordering or pointing.
Este copo por favor.
Translation: This glass, please.
Eu quero esse sanduíche.
Translation: I want that sandwich.
Aquela mesa está disponível?
Translation: Is that table available?
Shopping and markets
When comparing items or asking about prices, demonstratives guide which product you mean.
Quanto custa esta camiseta?
Translation: How much is this T-shirt?
Posso ver essas frutas?
Translation: Can I see those fruits?
Giving directions
Use demonstratives to describe landmarks or locations.
Vire à direita naquele semáforo.
Translation: Turn right at that traffic light.
O banco fica nesta rua.
Translation: The bank is on this street.
Agreement: gender and number explained
Every demonstrative must match the noun in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Check the noun ending and article for clues.
Masculine singular: este, esse, aquele with nouns like carro, copo.
Feminine singular: esta, essa, aquela with nouns like casa, mesa.
Plural forms follow the same pattern: estes, essas, aqueles, aquelas.
Example: Estas flores são para você. (These flowers are for you.)
Practical beginner tips
Tip 1: If you hold or point to the object, use este/esta. If the listener holds or points, use esse/essa. If neither is close, use aquele/aquela.
Tip 2: For abstract ideas or phrases, use neuter isto/isso/aquilo.
Tip 3: When in doubt on gender, memorize the noun with its article: o livro, a mesa. Then match: este livro, esta mesa.
Tip 4: Listen for context. Brazilian speakers often use esse/essa for things already mentioned, even if not physically near.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mistake 1: Mixing gender. Do not say este mesa; use esta mesa.
Mistake 2: Using este when referring to a thing closer to the listener. For example, a waiter should ask Você quer essa sobremesa? if the dessert is closer to the customer.
Mistake 3: Forgetting plural agreement. Not this many people: say estes homens, not este homens.
Short practice exercises (self-check)
Replace the blank with the correct demonstrative:
1) ______ livro é meu. (book on the table near me)
Answer: Este livro é meu.
2) Você trouxe ______ mochila? (the backpack near the listener)
Answer: Você trouxe essa mochila?
3) Lembra ______ dia na praia? (a distant day)
Answer: Lembra daquele dia na praia?
How demonstratives show tone and emphasis
Demonstratives can add emphasis or emotion. Using aquela can make a memory sound more distant or dramatic. Using esta can show immediacy or attachment.
Example: Eu amo esta música!
Translation: I love this song! (immediate enthusiasm)
Example: Aquela história me marcou.
Translation: That story marked me. (distant memory)
Useful quick reference list
Este/esta – this (near speaker)
Esse/essa – that (near listener or previous mention)
Aquele/aquela – that over there (far from both)
Isto/isso/aquilo – neuter forms for ideas or unknown things
Conclusion
Mastering Brazilian Portuguese demonstratives helps you point clearly in conversation, read signs, and avoid misunderstandings in daily situations. Remember the three main sets: este/esta, esse/essa, and aquele/aquela, plus the neuter trio. Practice with real phrases from coffee shops, shops, and directions to build confidence quickly.
