Spanish · Greetings & Essentials
"That" in Spanish: eso
eso
Note: farther: aquello; before a noun: ese/esa
That as a standalone thing in Spanish is eso. Before a noun: ese libro, esa silla. Farther than eso: aquello.
Pointing at a dish
Eso se ve delicioso.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce eso
Say it
EH-soh
/ˈe.so/
EH-soh. Soft s, pure vowels.
"That" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| eso | that (thing) Neuter pointer. | Neuter pointer. |
| ese / esa | that (m/f noun) Before nouns. | Before nouns. |
| aquello / aquel / aquella | that (farther) More distant pointing. | More distant pointing. |
| eso es | that's it / that is Agreement or ID. | Agreement or ID. |
How to use eso in real life
- 1Pointing at a dish
Eso se ve delicioso.
That looks delicious.
Standalone eso.
- 2Bookstore
Ese libro es mío.
That book is mine.
Ese + noun.
- 3Furniture
Esa mesa está ocupada.
That table is taken.
Esa + noun.
Mistakes English speakers make with eso
Incorrect: That es caro.
Correct: Eso es caro.
Use eso, not English that.
Incorrect: Esa libro es mío.
Correct: Ese libro es mío.
Libro is masculine—ese, not esa.
Good to know
Eso is the flexible “that” when you don’t name the noun. For distance drama, aquello feels farther than eso—useful when someone points across a plaza.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a pastry in a bakery
ChatPal
¿Eso o el pan dulce de al lado?
That, or the sweet bread next to it?
You
Eso, por favor. Se ve fresco.
That, please. It looks fresh.
ChatPal
¿Quieres esa bolsa también?
Do you want that bag too?
You
Sí, gracias.
Yes, thanks.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"That" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "That" in Spanish
That (thing)?
Eso.
That + noun?
Ese (m) / esa (f).
Why gender?
Ese/esa match the noun. Eso stands alone.
Farther that?
Aquello / aquel / aquella.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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