It Versus That in Spanish

It Versus That in Spanish

• To say “it” in Spanish, use “lo” or “la” for singular objects and “los” or “las” for plural objects. • To say “that” in Spanish, use “eso” for singular objects and “esos” for plural objects. • Use “esto” for “this” and “estos” for “these”.

How to Say It Versus That in Spanish

Understanding the Difference

When learning Spanish, one of the common confusion points for English speakers is knowing how to properly use the words “it” and “that” in Spanish. Both words have different translations in Spanish and are used in distinct contexts. To effectively communicate in Spanish, it is essential to understand the difference and when to use each term correctly.

Using “It” in Spanish

In English, “it” is generally used to refer to objects, animals, or things that are not specifically gendered. However, in Spanish, the term “it” does not exist as a separate word. Instead, the gendered articles “el” and “la” are used to refer to objects depending on their gender. For example, if you want to say “it is beautiful” to describe a feminine object such as a book, you would say “es bonito,” using the feminine form of “beautiful.” Alternatively, if you were referring to a masculine object like a car, you would say “es bonito,” using the masculine form of “beautiful.”

Using “That” in Spanish

In Spanish, the word “that” can be translated as “eso,” “esa,” “aquello,” or “aquel,” depending on the context. The choice between these options relies on the gender and proximity of the object being referred to. “Eso” is used when referring to something neutral or when gender is unknown, while “esa” is used when referring to something feminine. On the other hand, “aquello” is used when referring to something previously mentioned or something at a distance, and “aquel” is used when referring to something masculine.

Examples of Usage

Let’s take a look at some examples to better understand how to use “it” and “that” in Spanish: 1. “It is a cat.” In Spanish, you would say “Es un gato.” Since “cat” is a masculine noun, you use the masculine article “un” before “gato.” 2. “I like that book.” To say this in Spanish, you would say “Me gusta ese libro.” Here, you are referring to a masculine book, so you use the masculine form of “that,” which is “ese.” 3. “That is my house.” In Spanish, you would say “Esa es mi casa.” In this case, you are referring to a feminine object (house), so you use the feminine form of “that,” which is “esa.” 4. “It is important to study.” To express this in Spanish, you would say “Es importante estudiar.” Since “study” is a neutral noun, there is no separate word for “it” in Spanish.

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning how to use “it” and “that” in Spanish correctly may take some practice, but with time it will become second nature. To improve your understanding, try using these words in various sentences and contexts. Listen to native Spanish speakers and pay attention to how they use “it” and “that” in their conversations. The more exposure you have to the language, the better you will become at using these words accurately.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “it” and “that” in Spanish is essential for clear and effective communication. Remember that Spanish uses gendered articles to refer to objects instead of a separate word for “it.” Additionally, “that” has multiple translations depending on gender and proximity. Practice using these words in different contexts, and don’t hesitate to seek further guidance from native Spanish speakers or language resources to perfect your usage.

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