How to use “Isto”, “Isso”, and “Aquilo” in beginner Portuguese

Introduction

Learning demonstratives is one of the fastest ways to start pointing, describing, and asking about things in Brazilian Portuguese. This article explains how to use Isto, Isso, and Aquilo for total beginners, with clear rules, practical examples, vocabulary, common mistakes, and short dialogues you can use right away.

What are demonstratives and why they matter

Demonstratives are words that indicate location relative to the speaker and listener. In English we say this, that, and that over there. In Brazilian Portuguese, the basic neutral forms are Isto, Isso, and Aquilo, plus gendered forms like este/esta, esse/essa, aquele/aquela for nouns. For a beginner, mastering the neutral forms helps in basic conversation, asking questions, and understanding spoken Portuguese.

Basic rule: proximity and perspective

Use Isto for something close to the speaker or something the speaker is holding or about to show. Use Isso for something near the listener or recently mentioned in conversation. Use Aquilo for something far from both speaker and listener or for something viewed as distant in time or context.

Simple distances to remember

Isto = near me (the speaker). Example: segurando um objeto, mostrando algo no meu celular.

Isso = near you (the listener) or something just talked about. Example: a thing the other person pointed to or a previous idea.

Aquilo = over there, far from both of us, or a distant idea or memory.

Short practical examples

These short sentences show the neutral forms in simple questions and statements. Each is in Brazilian Portuguese followed by an English explanation.

Isto é um livro.
Explanation: This is a book. Use when holding the book or when it is clearly with the speaker.

Isso é a sua caneta?
Explanation: Is that your pen? Use when the pen is near the listener or the listener pointed at it.

Aquilo é uma casa velha.
Explanation: That over there is an old house. Use for something far away visually or in context.

When to use the neutral form versus gendered forms

The neutral forms Isto, Isso, and Aquilo are used when you are not directly linking the demonstrative to a specific noun. When you refer to a noun, Brazilians commonly use gendered demonstratives: este/esta, esse/essa, aquele/aquela. For beginners, think: use neutral for general statements or questions; use gendered forms when naming the noun.

Examples comparing neutral and gendered

Isto é novo. vs Este livro é novo.
Explanation: The first says This is new (object with speaker). The second specifies This book is new.

Isso não funciona. vs Essa cadeira não funciona.
Explanation: The first: That does not work (recently mentioned). The second: That chair does not work (specific noun).

Aquilo me assustou. vs Aquele carro me assustou.
Explanation: The first: That over there scared me. The second: That car over there scared me.

Common beginner situations and sample phrases

Below are realistic contexts with ready-to-use phrases in Brazilian Portuguese. Use these in shops, at home, and in simple conversations.

At a store:
Posso ver isto? (Can I see this?)
Você tem isso em outro tamanho? (Do you have that in another size?)
Quanto custa aquilo? (How much is that over there?)

Pointing while learning:
O que é isto? (What is this?)
O que você acha de isso? (What do you think about that?)
Você lembra aquilo? (Do you remember that?)

In messages or signs:
Pegue isto na recepção. (Pick this up at reception.)
Deixe isso na caixa. (Leave that in the box.)
Assista aquilo depois. (Watch that later.)

Short dialogues for practice

Use these mini-dialogues to practice listening and speaking. Both lines are realistic and simple.

Maria: O que é isto?
João: É um mapa. (It is a map.)

Vendedor: Você quer isso ou outro modelo?
Cliente: Prefiro isso, por favor. (I prefer that, please.)

Turista: O que é aquilo no alto?
Guia: É uma estátua antiga. (It is an old statue.)

Key vocabulary and short notes

isto – this (near the speaker). Used when showing or holding.

isso – that (near the listener or recently mentioned). Very common in conversation.

aquilo – that over there / that distant thing. Used for physical or figurative distance.

Pronunciation tips for beginners

Focus on the initial vowel sounds. Pronounce Isto like EE-stoo, with a clear i. Pronounce Isso like EE-soo, with a short s sound at the start. Pronounce Aquilo like ah-KEE-loo, stressing the middle syllable. Practice saying short phrases aloud: Isto é, Isso é, Aquilo é.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: Using Isto when the object is nearer the listener. Tip: If the other person is closer to the object, use isso.

Mistake: Overusing neutral forms with nouns. Tip: Use gendered demonstratives (este/essa/aquele) when directly naming a noun: este livro, essa bolsa, aquele prédio.

Mistake: Confusing isso and aquilo for time. Tip: Use isso for ideas just mentioned; use aquilo for something earlier or more distant in time: isso = what we just said; aquilo = what we said yesterday or long ago.

Mini practice exercises

Look around you and say the Portuguese phrase for each item aloud. Check the correct demonstrative.

1. You are holding a cup: ______ é uma caneca. (Answer: Isto)

2. The person next to you points to a bag: ______ é sua bolsa? (Answer: Isso)

3. You see a mountain far away: ______ é uma montanha. (Answer: Aquilo)

Additional useful phrases with demonstratives

Use these to expand everyday speaking skills in shops, travel, or classroom situations.

Você pode pegar isso para mim? (Can you get that for me?)

Mostre-me isto, por favor. (Show me this, please.)

Lembra de aquilo da semana passada? (Remember that from last week?)

Practical tip for classroom and self-study

Practice by labeling objects in your room with sticky notes: write Isto near things you usually hold, Isso near items your partner uses, and Aquilo on a distant shelf. Then form simple sentences: Isto é meu caderno; Isso é da Ana; Aquilo está longe.

How native speakers typically use them

Brazilian speakers often prefer the gendered demonstratives in everyday speech when referring to specific items. However, the neutral forms remain very common for quick references, questions, and when speaking about abstract ideas. As a beginner, focus on the neutral forms first to build confidence, then add gendered forms to sound more natural.

Quick reference chart (memory aid)

Isto = near me (speaker)

Isso = near you or recent mention (listener/recent)

Aquilo = over there / distant (far in space or time)

Conclusion

Mastering Isto, Isso, and Aquilo gives you the tools to point, ask, and comment in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. Use the neutral forms to start, practice with labeled objects and short dialogues, and gradually add gendered demonstratives when referring to specific nouns. With these simple rules and realistic examples, you will understand and use these demonstratives confidently in common situations.