Introduction
Demonstratives point to things, people, places, and moments. For a beginner learning Brazilian Portuguese, mastering demonstratives helps you follow classroom explanations, ask clear questions, and describe objects or locations. This guide covers core demonstrative words, simple grammar, classroom-style examples, common mistakes, and practical tips for everyday use.
- What are demonstratives and why they matter
- Using demonstratives as adjectives (before nouns)
- Using demonstratives as pronouns (standing alone)
- Demonstratives with time and abstract ideas
- Small differences: este vs esse vs aquele
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Using demonstratives with prepositions and locations
- Mini vocabulary list with demonstratives
- Mini quiz: check your understanding
- Conclusion
What are demonstratives and why they matter
Demonstratives are words like this, that, and those in English. In Brazilian Portuguese they show proximity to the speaker or listener and can act as adjectives or pronouns. Using demonstratives correctly makes your meaning precise in conversations, asking questions, reading signs, filling forms, and following teacher instructions.
Basic demonstrative words
The three primary demonstratives for beginners are este / esta / isto, esse / essa / isso, and aquele / aquela / aquilo. These change by gender and sometimes by whether they refer to a noun or to a general idea.
este (masculine) and esta (feminine) mean near the speaker: este livro, esta caneta.
isto is used for ideas or unspecified things near the speaker: isto é importante.
esse (masculine) and essa (feminine) mean near the listener or referring to something just mentioned: essa cadeira, esse exercício.
isso is for ideas or unspecified things near the listener: isso é verdade.
aquele (masculine) and aquela (feminine) point to something far from both speaker and listener: aquela mesa, aquele prédio.
aquilo is the neutral form for ideas or unspecified things far away: aquilo não funciona.
Using demonstratives as adjectives (before nouns)
When a demonstrative comes before a noun it behaves like an adjective and must agree in gender with the noun. Agreement is simple for beginners: match the noun ending.
Examples a learner might see in class:
Este livro é fácil de ler.
Esta página tem o exercício 2.
Essa resposta está errada.
Esse aluno chegou cedo.
Aquela janela está aberta.
Aquele quadro é bonito.
Notes on gender and plural
To make plurals, add -s: estes, estas, esses, essas, aqueles, aquelas. Examples you will use in group work or classroom instructions:
Leiam estes parágrafos.
Guardem essas folhas.
Aqueles alunos saíram cedo.
Using demonstratives as pronouns (standing alone)
When the demonstrative stands alone and replaces a noun, use the neutral forms for ideas or when gender is unknown. These are handy in spoken answers and quick classroom interactions.
Examples:
O que é isto?
Isto é um mapa.
Você prefere isso ou aquilo?
Isso não é meu.
Quero aquele.
Practical classroom dialogues
Short realistic dialogues help beginners see demonstratives in context. Note how proximity and reference change word choice.
Professor: Este exercício é para hoje.
Aluno: Posso usar esta calculadora?
Aluno A: Essa resposta está correta?
Aluno B: Sim, essa está boa.
Recepcionista: Você quer este formulário ou aquele formulário?
Estudante: Vou levar este.
Demonstratives with time and abstract ideas
Use demonstratives with times and abstract words. The neutral forms commonly pair with ideias, coisas, tempo.
Examples a student may hear or write:
Isso aconteceu ontem.
Isto é importante para a prova.
Aquilo aconteceu no ano passado.
Nesta semana temos duas aulas extras.
Nesse momento estou ocupado.
Common classroom phrases with demonstratives
Teachers often use set phrases that include demonstratives. Memorizing a few will greatly improve comprehension.
Olhem para este exemplo no quadro.
Respondam a essa pergunta no caderno.
Copiem aquilo que está no slide.
Guardem esses papéis no envelope.
Small differences: este vs esse vs aquele
At beginner level, a simple spatial rule helps: este = near me, esse = near you or already mentioned, aquele = far from both. Context and gestures matter. For neutral ideas or when the noun is absent, use isto, isso, aquilo.
Example to practice with a partner:
Coloque este lápis aqui. (near speaker)
Você tem esse lápis aí? (near listener)
Aquele lápis na estante é velho. (far away)
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Beginners often mix demonstratives. Here are typical errors and corrections so you can avoid them in class or messages.
Mistake: Using este when speaking to someone about something near them. Correction: Use esse. Example: Quando entrega o material para o colega, pergunte Você quer esse caderno? not Você quer este caderno?
Mistake: Forgetting gender agreement. Correction: Match the noun. Example: Esta problema is wrong. Correct: Este problema or Esta questão depending on gender.
Mistake: Using neutral form with a known noun. Correction: Use the adjective form. Example: Isto livro is wrong. Correct: Este livro.
Quick practice drills for beginners
Simple exercises to build muscle memory. Two-person version: Point to objects and have partner answer using the right demonstrative and form.
Drill 1: Point to an item near you and ask O que é isto? Partner answers: Isto é um caderno.
Drill 2: Point to an item near the other person and ask O que é isso? Partner answers: Isso é uma caneta.
Drill 3: Point to an item across the room and ask O que é aquilo? Partner answers: Aquilo é uma mochila.
Using demonstratives with prepositions and locations
Demonstratives combine well with prepositions like em, com, para, de. These forms are common on signs, schedules, and classroom instructions.
Examples a beginner will see:
O livro está em cima desta mesa.
Coloque o exercício dentro daquela pasta.
Saia por essa porta.
Reading signs and schedules
Recognizing demonstratives aids reading public signs and timetables. Practice with short simulated notices:
Sala 101: Esta sala será fechada às 12:00.
Entrada: Use essa entrada para visitantes.
Evento: Aquela sessão começa às 19:00.
Mini vocabulary list with demonstratives
Here are common nouns paired with demonstratives for classroom use. First appearance of each demonstrative is highlighted above; later items use emphasis.
este livro – this book
esta caneta – this pen
isto – this (idea)
esse caderno – that notebook (near listener)
essa folha – that sheet
isso – that (idea)
aquela janela – that window over there
aquele prédio – that building far away
aquilo – that (idea far away)
Practical tip: use gestures
Gestures make demonstratives easier. Pointing while saying este, esse, or aquele reinforces spatial difference and helps listeners understand your reference during speaking practice and real situations.
Mini quiz: check your understanding
Fill the blank with the best demonstrative form for each short prompt.
1. (near me) ____ exercício é difícil. Answer: Este exercício é difícil.
2. (near listener) Você prefere ____ ou aquele? Answer: Você prefere esse ou aquele?
3. (idea far) O que é ____? Answer: O que é aquilo?
4. (feminine, near listener) Me dá ____ caneta, por favor. Answer: Me dá essa caneta, por favor.
Conclusion
Demonstratives are one of the first tools you need in Brazilian Portuguese. By learning este/esta/isto, esse/essa/isso, and aquele/aquela/aquilo, practicing with classroom phrases, and using gestures, beginners can quickly improve clarity in questions, directions, and everyday conversations. Review the examples, try the drills, and focus on gender agreement and proximity to build confidence.
