“Este” vs “Esse” in Portuguese: How Brazilians Really Use Them

Introduction

Understanding when to use este and esse is one of the most common challenges for English-speaking learners of Brazilian Portuguese. Both translate roughly as this/that, but their usage depends on context, distance, conversation flow, and even regional habits. This article explains the rules, shows real Brazilian Portuguese examples, and clarifies how native speakers actually use these words in everyday speech.

Basic distinction: near vs. far

Start with the classical rule: este refers to something close to the speaker, while esse refers to something close to the listener or farther from the speaker. This parallels English this (close to me) and that (near you or away).

Examples:

Este livro é meu.
Esse livro é seu.

In the first sentence, the book is near the speaker. In the second, the book is near the listener or previously mentioned.

Grammatical forms and gender/number agreement

Both este and esse change to match the gender and number of the noun they modify.

Masculine singular: este, esse
Feminine singular: esta, essa
Masculine plural: estes, esses
Feminine plural: estas, essas

Examples:

Esta casa é nova.
Essa casa já foi vendida.

Estes carros são rápidos.
Esses carros estão sujos.

Demonstrative pronouns vs demonstrative adjectives

Both este and esse can be demonstrative adjectives (before a noun) or demonstrative pronouns (replacing a noun). The agreement rules are the same, but the role in the sentence changes.

Adjective: Este sapato é confortável.
Pronoun: Eu prefiro este.

When used as pronouns, Brazilians often drop the noun entirely and rely on context to show what este or esse refers to.

Temporal uses: talking about time

In Portuguese, demonstratives also have temporal meanings. Este and its forms are used for the present period or a period that includes the moment of speaking. Esse often refers to a period closer to the listener or a recent past period.

Examples:

Este ano foi difícil. (the current year)
Esse ano você viajou muito. (the year we have been talking about, possibly the same or recent)

Semana passada: Essa semana estive ocupado.
Esta semana tenho muitos compromissos.

Referencing previous ideas: discourse deixis

In conversation, esse is commonly used to point back to something already mentioned in the discourse. Think of it as linking to a previous sentence or idea. Este can also be used to point to a current phrase or idea, but Brazilians often prefer esse for referencing what was said earlier.

Example:

Eu comprei um celular novo.
Esse é o modelo X. (refers to the phone just mentioned)

Note how the second sentence uses esse because it links to the preceding information.

Proximity in physical space vs in conversation

Physical distance matters, but conversational proximity is equally important. Something physically near the listener can be esse, while something mentioned just now might be esse even if it is physically close to the speaker.

Example:

Se eu estiver segurando um livro e você também estiver segurando um livro:
Este livro é meu. (speaker points to their book)
Esse livro é seu. (speaker points to the listener’s book)

But if the speaker talked about the listener’s book moments ago, they can say: Esse livro é interessante. The reference relies on discourse, not only space.

Colloquial Brazilian preferences and variations

Brazilians often use esse more broadly than strict textbook rules suggest. In casual speech, esse frequently appears to signal something already introduced in the conversation, to soften statements, or to create a sense of shared knowledge.

Many speakers prefer esse when telling stories or explaining, because it creates a natural link to past parts of the narrative. In some regions, pronunciation reductions and contractions also affect usage, but the meaning stays consistent.

European Portuguese vs Brazilian Portuguese

European Portuguese tends to keep a clearer near/far distinction with este/esse/aquele. Brazilians often use esse more freely and sometimes use aquele mainly for something far from both speaker and listener. Keep in mind that in Brazil, regional speech and informal contexts can blur the textbook boundaries.

Example contrasts:

European Portuguese: Este carro (near me), esse carro (near you), aquele carro (over there).
Brazilian Portuguese: Este carro and esse carro are common, and aquele carro is used for something clearly distant or remembered from the past.

Using demonstratives with verbs and pronouns

Demonstratives combine with compound forms to indicate direction or possession. For example, isto, isso, aquilo are neutral pronouns. Use isto for something close to the speaker, isso for something related to the listener or the discourse, and aquilo for something distant. Brazilians use isso a lot in conversational speech.

Examples:

O que é isto? (pointing to something near me)
O que é isso? (referring to something you mentioned)
O que é aquilo? (pointing to something far away)

Practical tips for learners

1. When in doubt, use esse for things already mentioned in the conversation or near the listener. This is safest in many informal contexts.

2. Use este when you want to emphasize that something is physically or temporally close to you or to highlight the current moment.

3. Pay attention to context: if a Brazilian references a previous sentence, they will usually pick esse. Mimic natural speech by listening to native speakers in podcasts, videos, or conversations.

4. Learn neutral pronouns: isto, isso, and aquilo help when you need to refer to ideas rather than physical objects.

Examples in natural dialogue

Situation 1: Two friends at a table

– Você quer este suco?
– Não, eu quero esse ali. (maybe the listener points to the one near them)

Situation 2: Telling a story

– Eu comprei uma câmera nova ontem.
– Ah, esse foi o modelo que eu recomendei. (referring back to the camera)

Situation 3: On the phone

– Você tem o relatório?
– Tenho, eu estou olhando para este agora.
– Então, me manda esse quando terminar. (speaker uses different demonstratives according to perspective)

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: Overusing este because of literal translation from English this. Many learners translate this directly and use este in contexts where Brazilians would prefer esse.

Fix: Listen for how natives link ideas. If something refers to earlier discourse or to the listener, choose esse.

Mistake: Confusing neutral pronouns. Some learners mix up isto and isso.

Fix: Remember that isto is tied to the speaker’s perspective and present moment; isso is tied to what the listener or the conversation just mentioned.

Advanced note: demonstratives with deixis and emphasis

Demonstratives do more than indicate distance; they carry pragmatic meaning. Speakers use este to emphasize immediacy, closeness, or ownership. Using esse can mitigate statements and create shared understanding. This subtle use varies widely among speakers and situations in Brazil.

Example:

Eu vou resolver este problema agora. (emphasis on the speaker taking action)
Eu vou resolver esse problema agora. (more neutral, referencing a problem already discussed)

Cultural usage notes

In Brazilian Portuguese, conversational flow and warmth matter. Using the right demonstrative can make your speech sound more natural and connected. Brazilians appreciate when learners adopt colloquial patterns like using esse in narratives, because it matches everyday speech rhythms.

In written, formal contexts such as academic texts or official documents, maintain clearer distinctions and prefer the textbook uses of este, esse, and aquele.

Resources for further listening

To improve recognition and usage, listen to Brazilian podcasts, watch vlogs, and follow conversational videos where speakers narrate events and stories. Pay attention to how natives pick demonstratives when they reference objects, times, or past sentences. Imitation and repeated exposure will help you internalize natural patterns.

Conclusion

Learning when to use este and esse is about mastering both physical and conversational distance. Use este for immediacy and closeness to the speaker, and use esse to refer to what the listener knows or what was mentioned before. Watch native speech, focus on discourse links, and over time these distinctions will feel natural in Brazilian Portuguese.