Isso or Isto? Portuguese Demonstratives: Usage and Real-Life Differences

This or that? These or those? Demonstratives are words that exist in every language. Their purpose is to point to specific items while indicating their distance from the speaker in physical space and time. But while American and British English have only four demonstratives, Portuguese has fifteen.

How can you learn these forms? How can you know which form to apply in each situation so your sentence can sound natural and make sense? And what are the differences between a regular conversation and a written document, like a business letter?

In this post, explore Portuguese demonstratives. Learn about their meaning, the differences between them, and how to apply them. Plus, analyze real-life examples that will help you to never be confused by them again.

An Overview of Demonstratives in Portuguese

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Variable vs Invariable Forms

You can split Portuguese demonstratives into two groups: variable and invariable. Variable forms agree in gender and number with the corresponding nouns. Hence, you will find a feminine and masculine, and a singular and plural form of each demonstrative. Invariable forms stay the same regardless of gender and number. Besides, they are never followed by a noun.

The tricky part is knowing when to prefer each group. You must also learn to apply the correct form of each demonstrative pronoun. Take a closer look at each of the groups to understand the subject better.

Demonstrative Adjectives and Determiners, and Pronouns

Here is a list of all fifteen demonstratives in Portuguese.

1. Este (This – masculine)
2. Estes (These – masculine)
3. Esta (This – feminine)
4. Estas (These – feminine)
5. Esse (That – masculine)
6. Esses (Those – masculine)
7. Essa (That – feminine)
8. Essas (Those – feminine)
9. Aquele (That – masculine)
10. Aqueles (Those – masculine)
11. Aquela (That – feminine)
12. Aquelas (Those – feminine)
13. Isto (This)
14. Isso (That)
15. Aquilo (That)

Below, learn about the differences between these forms and understand how to apply them.

The Variable Forms

There are three main variable forms of demonstratives in Portuguese: Este, Esse, and Aquele. Then, each of them changes slightly according to the gender and number of the corresponding noun.

Este (This/these)

Este corresponds to the English This, and describes a thing, person, or event close to the speaker. Time-wise, it can refer to the present time or a very close past or future period. This expression can change into the following terms:

1. Este (This – masculine)
2. Estes (These – masculine)
3. Esta (This – feminine)
4. Estas (These – feminine)

Esse (That/Those)

Esse corresponds to the English That, and describes a thing, person, or event close to the listener. This demonstrative can also indicate a time period that is close but not present or immediate. It changes according to gender and number as follows:

1. Esse (That – masculine)
2. Esses (Those – masculine)
3. Essa (That – feminine)
4. Essas (Those – feminine)

Aquele (That/Those)

Aquele also corresponds to the English That, but it is used for a thing, person, or event far away from both the speaker and the listener. It can also refer to a distant time or period. Here are the different forms it can assume:

1. Aquele (That – masculine)
2. Aqueles (Those – masculine)
3. Aquela (That – feminine)
4. Aquelas (Those – feminine)

The Invariable Forms – How to Use Isto, Isso, Aquilo

There are three invariable forms in Portuguese:

1. Isto (This)
2. Isso (That)
3. Aquilo (That)

These are demonstrative pronouns because they are never followed by a noun. Instead, they replace the noun.

Spoken vs Written Usage

As you know, writing often differs from spoken exchanges regardless of the level of formality. In writing, you will choose the correct form based on context. As a general rule, you will apply the same principles you would when speaking.

Additionally, you can use demonstratives to organize your written reasoning. For example, you can use Este to introduce a new idea or refer back to the last mentioned term. Esse always indicates something that has been previously mentioned in the text. Conversely, Aquele is used for something that has been referred to earlier in the text or is the first of two elements cited.

Real-life Examples

Here are a few examples of how you would use each demonstrative.

Masculine Singular

• Este livro é meu. (This book is mine.)
• Esse livro é meu. (That book is mine.)
• Aquele livro é meu. (That book is mine.)

Masculine Plural

• Estes preços são altos. (These prices are high.)
• Esses preços são altos. (Those prices are high.)
• Aqueles preços são altos. (Those prices are high.)

Feminine Singular

• Esta caneta é minha. (This pen is mine.)
• Essa caneta é minha. (That pen is mine.)
• Aquela caneta é minha. (That pen is mine.)

Feminine Plural

• Estas alunas falam espanhol. (These students speak Spanish.)
• Essas alunas falam espanhol. (Those students speak Spanish.)
• Aquelas alunas falam espanhol. (Those students speak Spanish.)

Demonstrative pronouns

• Isto é um absurdo. (This is absurd.)
• Isso não é uma boa ideia. (That is not a good idea.)
• O que é aquilo? (What is that?)

European Portuguese Vs. Brazilian portuguese

If you have been learning Portuguese for a while, you have probably noticed there are two main variants. From pronunciation to vocabulary and grammar, you will find many differences between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese.

In this case, the main difference is that Brazilian Portuguese rarely uses Este and Isto. Instead, it prefers the forms Esse, Isso, Aquele, and Aquilo. Additionally, you will often hear Brazilian add a place adverb like Aqui (Here), or Aí (There) after the demonstrative. Consider how both variants would say the question: Could you hand me these two dresses, please?

• Brazilian Portuguese: Me passa esses dois vestidos aqui, por favor?
• European Portuguese: Passas-me estes dois vestidos, por favor?

Although they mention similar words, convey the same idea, and have the same translation, the structure of the phrase differs. It might seem strange at first, but these details make a real difference when you are learning the language.

Isso or Isto? – Portuguese Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstratives are a basic aspect of grammar in Portuguese and any other language. They allow you to communicate your ideas clearly. Thus, you should know how to apply them, whether you are speaking or writing. Despite being more complex than in English, Portuguese demonstrative pronouns are relatively easy to learn and use. But there is much more to discover about this beautiful language.

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