How to Remember Spanish Demonstratives: The 'This and These Have Ts' Rule


Learning Spanish demonstrative adjectives—those pesky words like este, ese, and aquel—can feel like trying to memorize a map of a city you’ve never visited. You know you need to point at things, but suddenly you are paralyzed by a choice between four different words just to say "this."

If you have ever stared at a noun, completely unsure whether to say este or ese, you are not alone. It is perhaps the most common stumbling block for English speakers learning Spanish.

Fortunately, there is a simple, effective, and classic trick to mastering these words. It’s a rhythmic rule that guarantees you will choose the right word almost every time. By the end of this guide, you will no longer have to guess.

The Three Distances of Spanish

Before we get to the rule, it is crucial to understand that Spanish is more precise than English regarding distance. While English generally just uses "this" and "that," Spanish breaks it down into three levels:

  1. Close to the speaker: Right here.

  2. Close to the listener: Right there (near the person you are talking to).

  3. Far from both: Way over there.

The Secret Rule: 'This and These Have Ts'

Here is the magic phrase that will save you:

"This and these have Ts; That and those, no T goes."

This simple rhyme helps you immediately distinguish between things that are close to you (este) and things that are further away (ese).

1. Close to You: 'This' and 'These' (Have T's)

If you can touch the item, or it is right next to you, you use the "T" family. Remember to match the gender and number of the noun.

  • Este (This - Masculine Singular)

  • Esta (This - Feminine Singular)

  • Estos (These - Masculine Plural)

  • Estas (These - Feminine Plural)

Example: Quiero este libro. (I want this book.)

2. Further Away: 'That' and 'Those' (No T)

If the item is further away, perhaps near the person you are talking to, you use the "No T" family.

  • Ese (That - Masculine Singular)

  • Esa (That - Feminine Singular)

  • Esos (Those - Masculine Plural)

  • Esas (Those - Feminine Plural)

Example: ¿Dónde compraste esa camisa? (Where did you buy that shirt?)

Adding the Third Level: 'Aquel' (Way Over There)

The 'T' rule covers "this" and "that," but what about things that are far away from both of you? For those, we use the aquel family. Think of these as meaning "that one over there."

  • Aquel (That - Masculine Singular)

  • Aquella (That - Feminine Singular)

  • Aquellos (Those - Masculine Plural)

  • Aquellas (Those - Feminine Plural)

Example: Mira aquella montaña. (Look at that mountain over there.)

Summary Checklist for Quick Reference

To ensure you are always correct, use this checklist:

  1. Is it close to me? Yes -> Use a T (este/esta).

  2. Is it close to the listener? Yes -> Use No T (ese/esa).

  3. Is it far from both? Yes -> Use Aquel/Aquella.

  4. Does it match the noun? Check for masculine/feminine and singular/plural.

Practice in Context: Daily Scenarios

Let's see how this rule applies in real life.

At the Table:

You want the salt right next to you.

  • "¿Me pasas esta sal?" (Will you pass me this salt?)

At the Store:

You are pointing to a pair of shoes a salesperson is holding.

  • "Me gustan esos zapatos." (I like those shoes.)

On a Walk:

You are pointing at a house across the street.

  • "Aquella casa es enorme." (That house over there is huge.)

Conclusion: Confidence in Every Sentence

Memorizing Spanish demonstrative adjectives does not have to be a nightmare. By using the "This and these have Ts" rule, you eliminate the guesswork and speak with more precision and confidence.

Start practicing this rule in your head whenever you look around your room. "This chair" (esta silla), "That lamp" (esa lámpara), "That poster" (aquel póster). With a little practice, it will become second nature, and you will sound like a native speaker in no time.


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