Este, Esse, and Aquele: Portuguese Words for “This” and “That”
Choose a Portuguese demonstrative by considering distance, context, and the noun’s gender and number.
Real Life Portuguese · 8 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Demonstratives point to a person, object, place, or idea. They agree with the noun: este livro, esta mesa, estes livros, estas mesas. The matching forms for esse are esse, essa, esses, essas; for aquele, use aquele, aquela, aqueles, aquelas.
Match the demonstrative to the noun
Learn the demonstrative with an article-like noun phrase and say it aloud. The ending helps you identify whether the noun is masculine or feminine and singular or plural. This agreement remains useful even when the distance distinction becomes flexible in conversation.
Esta chave abre a porta.
This key opens the door.
Esses livros são da biblioteca.
Those books are from the library.
Aquelas casas ficam no alto da rua.
Those houses are at the top of the street.
Use este for something close or being introduced
A traditional guide uses este/esta for something close to the speaker or being introduced in the conversation. You might hold an object and say este celular (this phone), or introduce a question with esta ideia (this idea). The forms follow the noun they describe.
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the exact distance contrast between este and esse may be less strict than in formal grammar descriptions. Recognize both forms, use este for a clear “this” reference, and pay attention to how people around you choose them.
Este café ainda está quente.
This coffee is still hot.
Esta é a minha primeira aula.
This is my first class.
Estes documentos precisam de assinatura.
These documents need a signature.
Use esse and aquele to point by context or distance
Esse/essa often points to something near the listener or already mentioned: esse endereço (that address) or essa ideia (that idea). Aquele/aquela traditionally points to something farther from both people: aquela montanha (that mountain over there). In everyday conversation, gesture and shared context often make the reference clear.
Use the same agreement pattern for plural nouns: esses/essas and aqueles/aquelas. When you refer to an idea already mentioned, esse can point back to it even when physical distance is not involved.
Esse endereço está correto?
Is that address correct?
Aquela praça fica perto do museu.
That square over there is near the museum.
Gostei dessa sugestão que você fez.
I liked that suggestion you made.
Use demonstratives in a real exchange
Point to three objects: one near you, one near the listener, and one farther away. Describe each with a demonstrative and the correct noun ending. Then refer to an idea from the previous sentence using esse or essa. This makes agreement and reference part of the same practical exercise.
Compare this topic with Real Life Portuguese guides to noun gender, articles, and color agreement. I Speak Portuguese teacher sessions can help you practice selecting a demonstrative naturally. In a conversation, prioritize clarity and point or name the object if the reference could be misunderstood.
Este copo é meu. Esse copo é seu?
This glass is mine. Is that glass yours?
Aquela janela está aberta.
That window over there is open.
Essas informações ajudam bastante.
That information helps a lot.
Put it into practice
Choose este, esse, or aquele by context and distance, and match its ending to the noun: este livro, essa mesa, aqueles lugares.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Is that address correct”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.