How to use “Este”, “Esse”, and “Isso” in Portuguese basics

Introduction

Learning the difference between este, esse, and isso is essential for beginners in Brazilian Portuguese. These three words all translate roughly to this or that in English, but they follow clear patterns of proximity, sentence role, and context. This guide explains usage with simple examples, common phrases, tips, and typical mistakes learners make.

Basic idea: proximity and reference

Portuguese demonstratives indicate position in space or in discourse. At a beginner level, it helps to think of three zones: near the speaker, near the listener, and neither (or referring to an idea just mentioned). Use este for something close to the speaker, esse for something close to the listener or already known in the conversation, and isso for referring to an idea or something not present.

Quick reference

este = this (near me, the speaker)

esse = that (near you, the listener or previously mentioned)

isso = that / that thing (referring to an idea, statement, or something not present)

Using este: things close to the speaker

Use este when the object or person is physically close to you or when you introduce something new in the conversation. It often appears with nouns and agrees in gender and number.

Examples:

este livro está em cima da mesa

esta caneta é minha

estes sapatos são confortáveis

estas chaves são da sala

Note: When speaking, you might point to the object while saying este. In stores or at markets, use este to indicate the item you want when it is on the side where you stand.

Using esse: things near the listener or mentioned before

Use esse when the object is closer to the person you are speaking to, or when you refer back to something already introduced in the dialogue. Like este, esse agrees in gender and number with the noun.

Examples:

você pode me passar esse copo?

esse filme é muito bom

essa música toca na rádio

esses documentos estão na sua pasta

In many conversations, Brazilians use esse to mean that the listener has or is handling the item, or when the speaker assumes the listener knows what is being discussed.

Using isso: referring to ideas, statements, or abstract things

Isso is neuter and does not change for gender or number. Use it to point to something previously said, an idea, or a fact. It is common in replies and when summarizing what someone else said.

Examples:

isso é verdade

do que você falou, isso me interessa

não gostei disso

isso muda tudo

Use isso when translating English this/that referring to a concept: for example, if someone says Eu vou viajar amanhã and you want to respond about that plan, you can say Isso é ótimo.

Short dialogue examples to show differences

Scenario: You and a friend at a café. You point to a cake near you.

Você: quero este pedaço de bolo

Amigo: não, pegue esse ali, que está mais fresco

Later, your friend explains why they chose that cake.

Você: entendi, isso faz sentido

Scenario: On the phone, talking about documents. The caller is not with you physically.

Eu: você viu os papéis?

Amigo: sim, estão na mesa

Eu: pode me enviar uma foto desse documento?

Amigo: já envio. isso ajuda?

Common phrases and vocabulary using these words

este momento = this moment

essa hora = that time (the time you mentioned)

isso aqui = this thing here / this (when holding or pointing)

isso aí = that (used informally to agree: like okay, or that way)

Practical signs and forms

On forms or signs you may see:

preencha este campo = fill this field

assine aqui neste espaço = sign here in this space

traga esse documento = bring that document

Grammar notes for beginners

Agreement: este and esse change form with gender and number. Use este / esta / estes / estas and esse / essa / esses / essas. Isso stays the same.

Position: Demonstratives usually go before the noun but can be used alone as pronouns. As pronouns, they still follow proximity rules.

Examples:

este carro é novo

eu gosto desse carro

isso não é seguro

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: using este and esse interchangeably without thinking about who is closer. Tip: ask whether the item is nearer to you or the listener.

Mistake: using isso for specific physical objects when a gendered demonstrative is required. Tip: use isso for ideas or unspecified things; use este/esse with nouns.

Mistake: forgetting agreement. Tip: always check the noun gender (o carro, a casa) and number (os carros, as casas) before choosing the form.

Mini practice exercise

Choose the right word: fill in with este, esse, or isso.

1. _______ livro aqui é meu

2. Você pode me devolver _______ caneta?

3. Eu não concordo com _______

Answers: 1. este 2. essa or essa depending on pen gender, 3. isso

Tips for practicing in real situations

Label items near your study space with sticky notes: use este for things near you and esse for items your study partner handles. Say simple sentences out loud: este celular, essa xícara, isso é bom. When listening to dialogues, pause and decide which demonstrative matches the speaker.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between este, esse, and isso gives beginners immediate practical power in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. Focus on proximity, whether you refer to an idea, and correct agreement with nouns. Use the short dialogues, signs, and practice tips here to build confidence and avoid common errors.