How to use Portuguese words for this, that, here, and there

Introduction

Understanding how to say this, that, here, and there is essential for everyday Portuguese conversations. This guide teaches Brazilian Portuguese demonstratives and location words for complete beginners, with clear explanations, practical examples, common mistakes, and easy tips to help you use these words correctly in real situations.

Why demonstratives and location words matter

Demonstratives and location words let you point things out, ask questions, and give directions. In Brazilian Portuguese, these words change based on distance, gender, and number. Learning them early helps you navigate menus, ask for items in shops, follow signs, and talk about objects around you.

Core vocabulary: this, that, here, there

este / esta – this (near the speaker)

esse / essa – that (near the listener)

aquele / aquela – that over there (far from both)

aqui – here

aí – there (near the listener or in a place you both know)

ali / lá – there/over there (a bit further away or general there)

Basic gender and number rules

Portuguese nouns have gender and number, and demonstratives must match. Use masculine forms for masculine nouns and feminine forms for feminine nouns. For plural nouns, add -s:

este (m.s.) / esta (f.s.)

estes (m.pl.) / estas (f.pl.)

esse / essa → esses / essas

aquele / aquela → aqueles / aquelas

How to choose between este, esse, and aquele

Distance and conversation perspective determine which word to use. Este refers to something close to the speaker: a cup in your hand. Esse is for things close to the listener or the person you talk to: a book near the person you speak with. Aquele indicates something far from both of you: an object across the room or in the distance.

Examples in context

Este livro é meu.
Translation: This book is mine. (book near the speaker)

Você pode pegar essa caneta?
Translation: Can you grab that pen? (pen near the listener)

Aquele prédio é antigo.
Translation: That building over there is old. (building far away)

Using aqui, aí, ali, and lá for locations

Location words tell where something or someone is. Aqui means here, at the speaker’s place. Aí indicates the listener’s place or a place already known. Ali and lá both mean there, but ali often points to a specific spot a bit away, while lá is more general or farther away.

Practical location examples

Estou aqui na recepção.
Translation: I am here at the reception.

Onde você está? Estou aí no ônibus.
Translation: Where are you? I am there on the bus. (listener’s area)

Coloque a mala ali na mesa.
Translation: Put the suitcase there on the table. (specific spot)

O supermercado fica lá no fim da rua.
Translation: The supermarket is over there at the end of the street. (general/far)

Demonstrative pronouns vs adjectives

Demonstratives can be adjectives (modify nouns) or pronouns (stand alone). When used with a noun, they act as adjectives: essa mesa. As pronouns, they replace the noun: essa (that one).

Adjective examples

Gosto dessa música.
Translation: I like that song.

Prefiro este sorvete.
Translation: I prefer this ice cream.

Pronoun examples

Qual você quer? Quero este.
Translation: Which one do you want? I want this one.

Você viu minhas chaves? Não, procure essas.
Translation: Did you see my keys? No, look for those.

Common beginner contexts and phrases

Beginner learners will encounter demonstratives and location words in restaurants, shops, directions, messages, and signs. Below are realistic examples you can use or see often.

At a restaurant

Quero este prato, por favor.
Translation: I want this dish, please. (pointing at the menu)

Pode trazer a água que está ali?
Translation: Can you bring the water that is there?

At a store

Quanto custa essa blusa?
Translation: How much is that blouse?

Tem desse modelo em outro tamanho?
Translation: Do you have this model in another size?

Giving directions

O banco fica aqui perto.
Translation: The bank is nearby here.

Vire à direita e caminhe até lá.
Translation: Turn right and walk until there.

Text messages and signs

Estou aqui, te espero na entrada.
Translation: I’m here, I’ll wait for you at the entrance.

Material disponível lá na recepção.
Translation: Materials available there at reception.

Beginner tips to practice and remember

Associate distance with a simple map: you (speaker) are aqui, listener is aí, far away is lá. For objects in your hand, think este. For objects the other person has, think esse. For things across the room or outside, use aquele or lá.

Tip 1: Use gestures when practicing. Point while saying este, essa, or aquele to link meaning and distance.

Tip 2: Match gender. If you say esta, the noun is feminine: esta cadeira, esta porta. If masculine: este carro, este prato.

Tip 3: Learn common paired phrases: este aqui, esse aí, aquele ali. These combinations are natural and common in speech.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mixing up este and esse is a frequent error. Ask yourself who is closer to the object: you or the listener. If you are closer, pick este; if the listener is closer, choose esse.

Ignoring gender agreement leads to awkward sentences. Always check the noun: mesa is feminine, so use esta mesa; livro is masculine, so use este livro.

Using aí and lá interchangeably can confuse directions. Use aí when referring to the listener’s location or a familiar place. Use lá for places farther away or general directions.

Mini practice: short exercises for beginners

Look at an object near you and say the phrase: Este é meu. Then point to an object near your partner and ask: É essa sua?

Try a location pair: Você está aqui ou aí? Answer honestly: Estou aí no trabalho.

Describe a distant object: Veja aquele carro.
Translation: Look at that car over there.

Quick reference cheat sheet

este / esta – this (near me)

esse / essa – that (near you)

aquele / aquela – that over there (far from both)

aqui – here

aí – there (near you)

ali / lá – there / over there

Additional useful phrases with demonstratives

Isso é importante.
Translation: That is important. (neutral demonstrative isso is common in speech)

Isso aí!
Translation: Exactly! / Good job! (colloquial encouragement)

Que é aquilo?
Translation: What is that over there? (used to ask about something far away)

Resources for continued practice

Practice by labeling items around your home with small notes: este livro, esta caneta, esse copo. Listen to simple dialogues and identify which demonstratives speakers use. When possible, ask native speakers to correct your usage in casual conversations.

Conclusion

Mastering this, that, here, and there in Brazilian Portuguese gives you tools to point, describe, and navigate everyday situations. Focus on distance, gender, and whether the object is near you or the listener. Use the practical examples and exercises here to build confidence quickly and naturally.