“Desse” vs “Deste” in Portuguese: Contractions with Demonstratives

Introduction

Understanding the difference between desse and deste is essential for learners of Brazilian Portuguese. These short words are contractions involving demonstratives and prepositions, and they appear in everyday speech and writing. This article explains when to use each form, gives clear examples in Brazilian Portuguese, and highlights common mistakes and usage notes.

What are demonstratives and why do they contract?

In Portuguese, demonstratives are words that point to people, things, places, or moments in time. Common demonstratives include este, esse, and aquele. When a preposition combines with a demonstrative, Portuguese often creates a contraction for smoother pronunciation and grammar. Two frequent contractions are desse and deste.

These contractions come from the preposition de plus a demonstrative. Specifically:

de + esse = desse
de + este = deste

Basic meanings of este, esse, and aquele

Before diving into contractions, it helps to recall basic demonstrative meanings:

este points to something close to the speaker (this, here).
esse points to something close to the listener or not as close to the speaker (that, near you or recent).
aquele points to something far from both speaker and listener (that over there, more distant in space or time).

De + esse = desse

Use desse when the preposition de combines with esse. The preposition de often indicates possession, origin, cause, or a relationship. Typical contexts:

1. Possession or relationship
2. Reference to something nearer the listener or previously mentioned
3. Time expressions referring to a recent past

Examples in Brazilian Portuguese:

O livro desse autor é interessante.
A cor desse carro é bonita.
Você lembra desse dia na praia?

In each example, desse links something to a previously mentioned or listener-related item: author, car, day. The sense is that the item is not primarily centered with the speaker but with the listener or prior context.

Usage notes for desse

Desse is very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. It often replaces clumsy constructions like de + o + demonstrative and sounds natural in casual and formal contexts. Remember that desse can indicate a general relation rather than immediate proximity to the speaker.

De + este = deste

Use deste when de combines with este. Choose deste when referring to something close to the speaker in space, time, or discourse. Common contexts:

1. Possession or relationship when the item is close to the speaker
2. Reference to something being introduced or pointed out right now
3. Time expressions referring to the present or immediate context

Examples in Brazilian Portuguese:

O conteúdo deste livro é atual.
O botão deste aparelho está quebrado.
A situação deste momento exige calma.

Each example shows deste linking something that is conceptually or physically closer to the speaker: the book the speaker is holding, the appliance the speaker refers to, or the current moment.

Usage notes for deste

Deste is used when the speaker emphasizes closeness or immediacy. In formal writing, it remains common; in informal speech, Brazilians may sometimes prefer simpler structures but still use deste correctly when indicating proximity to the speaker.

Comparing desse and deste side by side

It helps to see both in similar sentences to feel the nuance of proximity. Compare these paired examples:

Você viu o texto desse autor que ele publicou ano passado?
Você viu o texto deste autor que está aqui comigo?

In the first sentence, the author or the text is associated with prior context or the listener; the speaker is likely referring to something already discussed. In the second sentence, the author or material is close to the speaker right now.

Another pair:

A roupa desse vendedor é muito colorida.
A roupa deste vendedor está suja agora.

The first implies a general association to the vendor mentioned earlier. The second emphasizes that the clothing is presently near the speaker or in the current situation.

When context blurs the difference

Sometimes the choice between desse and deste is flexible because proximity is unclear or irrelevant. In many everyday contexts, native speakers might use either without significant confusion, especially in spoken language. Formal writing, however, benefits from choosing the demonstrative that precisely fits the intended spatial or discourse relationship.

Common grammatical structures with desse and deste

Here are frequent constructions where these contractions appear and what they mean.

1. Possession or belonging: de + demonstrative + noun
O cheiro desse café é forte.
A capa deste livro é nova.

2. Reference to a time or period: de + demonstrative + momento/época
As lembranças desse verão ficaram comigo.
A importância deste mês é grande para a empresa.

3. Partitive or part of something: de + demonstrative + parte
Uma parte desse grupo saiu cedo.
O conteúdo deste capítulo é curto.

Prepositions other than de

Only de contracts with esse and este to form desse and deste. Other prepositions stay separate. For example:

para este livro (no contraction)
com esse problema (no contraction)

Do not try to create contractions like paraeste or comesse. They do not exist in Portuguese.

Pronunciation and tone in Brazilian Portuguese

In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the contractions desse and deste are pronounced fluidly. The -e at the start of the demonstrative merges with the preposition, so speakers usually say a single word. Stress patterns are natural: desse with stress on the first syllable, deste also with stress on the first syllable.

Listening to native speakers helps internalize the rhythm. Notice how context and intonation can signal proximity or distance beyond the literal demonstrative choice.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

1. Confusing which demonstrative to use: Ask whether the item is closer to the speaker or listener. If it is closer to the speaker, use deste; if it is closer to the listener or previously mentioned, use desse.

2. Overusing desse: Because desse is frequent in speech, learners sometimes default to it. Pay attention to context, especially in writing, and use deste when the speaker is indicating closeness.

3. Trying to contract other prepositions: Remember only de + demonstrative contracts this way.

Advanced nuance: discourse deixis and temporal deixis

In discourse deixis, demonstratives point to segments of the conversation. Use deste to point to a segment you are producing right now and desse to refer to previous segments or to what your listener just said. Example:

A ideia deste parágrafo é explicar a regra.
A interpretação desse trecho anterior foi confusa.

In temporal deixis, demonstratives indicate time. Use deste for present or immediate time and desse for recent past. Example:

O clima deste dia está nublado.
A temperatura desse fim de semana foi alta.

Cultural and regional notes

Brazil is large and varied, but the basic rules for desse and deste are consistent across the country. In very informal speech, some speakers may prefer simpler constructions or omit demonstratives, but this does not change the grammatical rule. In written and formal spoken registers, careful use of deste and desse enhances clarity.

Practical tips for learners

1. Pay attention to spatial and discourse cues in the sentence: is the referent closer to you or to the listener? Use that to choose between deste and desse.
2. Read Brazilian Portuguese texts and note how writers use these contractions in different contexts.
3. Practice speaking and ask native speakers to correct subtle uses; they can point out preferences in casual speech.
4. When writing, prefer precision: choose deste for immediate, current referents and desse for prior or listener-related referents.

Conclusion

Mastering desse and deste is mainly about recognizing proximity in space, time, or discourse. Deste connects the preposition to things close to the speaker; desse links to things closer to the listener or previously mentioned. With attention to context and practice reading and listening to Brazilian Portuguese, learners can use these contractions naturally and accurately.