Televisor vs. Televisión: How to Accurately Translate “Televisions” in Spanish


Have you ever been speaking Spanish, pointed directly at a coffee cup, and said, “¡Esto café es delicioso!”? If so, don’t panic—you are not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common mistakes made by English speakers learning Spanish. It’s a tiny grammatical trap that can make your sentences sound just a bit unnatural.

Understanding the difference between este and esto is the key to unlocking true fluency when describing objects. While both translate to the English word "this," they operate under completely different grammatical rules in Spanish.

If you are ready to stop guessing and start sounding more confident, this guide will show you exactly how to use these words correctly every single time.

The Fundamental Difference: Adjective vs. Pronoun

The main reason for the confusion is that English uses the word "this" for almost everything, regardless of how it functions in a sentence. Spanish is much more precise.

1. Este (The Demonstrative Adjective)

Este is an adjective. Just like the word "blue" or "big," it must be placed directly in front of a noun to describe which one you are talking about. Because it is an adjective, it must agree with the noun in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).

  • Masculine Singular: Este (This)

  • Feminine Singular: Esta (This)

Examples:

  • Este libro es interesante. (This book is interesting.)

  • Esta mesa es de madera. (This table is made of wood.)

2. Esto (The Neuter Pronoun)

Esto is a pronoun. It stands alone and replaces a noun entirely. It is neuter, meaning it does not have a masculine or feminine form. Furthermore, esto has no plural form.

You use esto when you are referring to a concept, an idea, a situation, or an object that is unidentified or generic.

Examples:

  • ¿Qué es esto? (What is this?)

  • Esto es difícil. (This is difficult.)

Why You Are Probably Using Them Wrong

The mistake happens because English speakers often try to use esto as an adjective.

Incorrect: Esto libro.

Correct: Este libro.

The Golden Rule: If you are pointing at a specific item (a table, a car, a person) and naming it right after "this," you must use este or esta.

IncorrectCorrectWhy?
Esto caféEste caféCafé is a masculine noun; use este.
Esto casaEsta casaCasa is a feminine noun; use esta.
Esto comidaEsta comidaComida is a feminine noun; use esta.

When to Use "Esto" (The Exception)

Esto is useful, but it has a specific purpose. You should use it when you are talking about something in a general sense, or when you are referring to a situation rather than a specific object.

  • Esto no me gusta. (I don't like this / I don't like this situation.)

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? (How much does this cost? - when pointing to a vague pile of items or a situation).

A Simple Trick to Remember

Think of este and esta as needing a "noun buddy." They are never alone. Esto, on the other hand, is independent; it’s a pronoun that does the job of a noun itself.

Another helpful tip is to remember the rhyme: "This and these have T's."

If you are talking about specific items close to you ("this" or "these"), your Spanish word will always have a T in it (Este, esta, estos, estas).

Practice in Context: Real-World Scenarios

To help this sink in, let’s look at how these work in everyday conversation.

Scenario A: Shopping

You want to buy a specific hat.

  • Me gusta este sombrero. (I like this hat.) - Correct

  • Me gusta esto sombrero. - Incorrect

Scenario B: A Vague Situation

You are looking at a messy room.

  • Esto es un desastre. (This is a disaster.) - Correct (Refers to the general situation)

Conclusion: Speak with Confidence

Understanding the nuances of Spanish demonstrative adjectives can feel overwhelming, but mastering the difference between este and esto is a huge step toward clearer communication.

Just remember: if you are pointing to a specific noun, use este or esta. If you are referring to a situation or a vague idea, use esto.

Keep practicing, and soon you will be using these words naturally without even thinking about it!


Master Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives: A Friendly Guide to Getting It Right Every Time



Popular posts from this blog

200 Most Common Spanish Words Every Beginner Needs (With English Translations)

Learning Spanish can feel overwhelming at first — thousands of words, grammar rules, and accents! But here’s the truth: you don’t need to memorize the entire dictionary to start speaking confidently. By learning just the 200 most common Spanish words , you can understand up to 80% of everyday conversations . These words form the foundation of the Spanish language — the essential building blocks for sentences, small talk, and travel communication. Let’s explore the most useful Spanish words every beginner should know — categorized for easy learning and daily practice. 1. Basic Spanish Pronouns Spanish English yo I tú you (informal) él he ella she usted you (formal) nosotros / nosotras we ellos / ellas they ustedes you all 💡 Tip: Spanish pronouns often aren’t needed in sentences — verbs already show who’s doing the action (e.g., hablo = “I speak”). 2. Common Verbs (Action Words) Spanish English ser to be (permanent) est...
Read more

How to Use “Muy” vs. “Mucho” Correctly in Spanish

Learning Spanish is exciting, but even beginner learners often get confused by “muy” and “mucho” . Both words translate roughly to “very” or “a lot” in English, but they are used differently depending on context. Misusing them can make sentences sound awkward or incorrect. This guide will help you understand the difference between muy and mucho and give practical tips for using them correctly. Why Understanding “Muy” vs. “Mucho” Matters Using Spanish correctly improves your: Fluency and confidence in conversations. Comprehension when reading or listening. Accuracy in writing for school, work, or travel. Even small mistakes like confusing muy and mucho can make your Spanish sound unnatural to native speakers. “Muy” – Expressing Intensity Muy is an adverb that modifies adjectives or other adverbs. It emphasizes the degree or intensity of a quality. Structure: muy + adjective/adverb Examples: Estoy muy cansado . (I am very tired.) Ella corre muy rápid...
Read more

Mexican Spanish vs. Spain Spanish: Key Vocabulary Differences

Spanish is a global language spoken across many countries, but vocabulary, pronunciation, and usage can vary significantly depending on the region. For learners or travelers, understanding these differences is essential to avoid confusion and communicate effectively. Here’s a detailed look at key vocabulary differences between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish . 1. Everyday Items Concept Mexican Spanish Spain Spanish Notes Car carro coche Both mean “car,” but “carro” is more common in Mexico. Bus camión autobús “Camión” literally means truck in Spain. Cell phone celular móvil “Celular” is standard in Mexico; Spain prefers “móvil.” Juice jugo zumo Different terms for fruit juice; usage is region-specific. 2. Food and Drink Concept Mexican Spanish Spain Spanish Notes Potato papas patatas Plural form differs. Corn tortilla tortilla tortilla In Spain, “tortilla” usually refers to an omelet , not corn tortilla. Pastry / snack...
Read more