Spanish · Greetings & Essentials
"This" in Spanish: esto
esto
Note: before a noun: este/esta
This as a standalone thing in Spanish is esto. Before a noun use este or esta. Keep esto for “this (thing).”
How to pronounce esto: audio and sound guideShowing a phone
Esto es el comprobante de la reserva.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce esto
Say it
EHS-toh
/ˈes.to/
EHS-toh. Clear e, not English “ee.”
"This" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| esto | this (thing) Neuter pointer—no noun after it. | Neuter pointer—no noun after it. |
| este / esta | this (m/f noun) Before nouns. | Before nouns. |
| este aquí | this one here Emphasis. | Emphasis. |
| esto es | this is Identifying something. | Identifying something. |
How to use esto in real life
- 1Showing a phone
Esto es el comprobante de la reserva.
This is the reservation receipt.
Standalone esto.
- 2Clothes
Este abrigo queda mejor con la falda.
This coat looks better with the skirt.
Este + noun.
- 3Menu
Esta sobremesa es la especialidad.
This dessert is the specialty.
Esta + noun.
Mistakes English speakers make with esto
Incorrect: This es mi boleto.
Correct: Esto es mi boleto.
Use esto (or este/esta + noun), not English this.
Incorrect: Esta libro es bueno.
Correct: Este libro es bueno.
Libro is masculine—use este, not esta.
Good to know
Good to knowEsto never sits before a noun. When you name the thing, switch to este/esta. Learners overuse esto for everything; natives hear the gender forms constantly.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Picking a souvenir
ChatPal
¿Esto combina con tu colección?
Does this match your collection?
You
Esto es pequeño y liviano.
This is small and light.
ChatPal
¿Y esta taza? ¿También es liviana?
And this mug? Is it light too?
You
Un poco pesada. Me llevo el imán.
A bit heavy. I'll take the magnet.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"This" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "This" in Spanish
This (thing)?
Esto.
This + noun?
Este (masculine) / esta (feminine).
Why gender on este/esta?
Este/esta agree with the noun. Esto stands alone.
That?
Eso / ese / esa—see that.
Use these words in a conversation
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