Demonstrative adjectives are an essential part of any language, as they help us point out specific objects, people, or ideas. In Portuguese, these adjectives are known as “adjetivos demonstrativos” and are used in a manner that’s similar to English but with some important distinctions. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of demonstrative adjectives in Portuguese, exploring their forms, uses, and nuances.
Understanding Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives are words that indicate specific nouns in relation to the speaker’s and the listener’s position. In English, the most common demonstrative adjectives are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” Portuguese also has corresponding demonstrative adjectives, but their use is influenced by gender, number, and sometimes proximity.
Forms of Demonstrative Adjectives
In Portuguese, demonstrative adjectives change according to the gender (masculine or feminine) and the number (singular or plural) of the noun they describe. Here are the basic forms:
1. Este, Esta, Estes, Estas
– These are used to indicate something that is close to the speaker.
– Singular Masculine: este (this)
– Example: Este livro (This book)
– Singular Feminine: esta (this)
– Example: Esta casa (This house)
– Plural Masculine: estes (these)
– Example: Estes livros (These books)
– Plural Feminine: estas (these)
– Example: Estas casas (These houses)
2. Esse, Essa, Esses, Essas
– These are used to indicate something that is close to the listener or slightly removed from the speaker.
– Singular Masculine: esse (that)
– Example: Esse carro (That car)
– Singular Feminine: essa (that)
– Example: Essa cadeira (That chair)
– Plural Masculine: esses (those)
– Example: Esses carros (Those cars)
– Plural Feminine: essas (those)
– Example: Essas cadeiras (Those chairs)
3. Aquele, Aquela, Aqueles, Aquelas
– These are used to indicate something that is far from both the speaker and the listener.
– Singular Masculine: aquele (that)
– Example: Aquele prédio (That building)
– Singular Feminine: aquela (that)
– Example: Aquela árvore (That tree)
– Plural Masculine: aqueles (those)
– Example: Aqueles prédios (Those buildings)
– Plural Feminine: aquelas (those)
– Example: Aquelas árvores (Those trees)
Usage and Examples
Demonstrative adjectives in Portuguese are used similarly to their English counterparts, but it’s crucial to understand the context of proximity to the speaker and listener.
1. Proximity to the Speaker: Este, Esta, Estes, Estas
These forms are used when the object is near the speaker.
– Este relógio é caro. (This watch is expensive.)
– Esta rua é tranquila. (This street is quiet.)
– Estes sapatos são novos. (These shoes are new.)
– Estas flores são bonitas. (These flowers are beautiful.)
2. Proximity to the Listener: Esse, Essa, Esses, Essas
These forms are used when the object is closer to the listener or somewhat removed from the speaker.
– Esse livro é interessante. (That book is interesting.)
– Essa bolsa é dela? (Is that bag hers?)
– Esses documentos são importantes. (Those documents are important.)
– Essas ideias são inovadoras. (Those ideas are innovative.)
3. Far from Both: Aquele, Aquela, Aqueles, Aquelas
These forms are used when the object is far from both the speaker and the listener.
– Aquele carro é antigo. (That car is old.)
– Aquela casa é grande. (That house is big.)
– Aqueles meninos estão brincando. (Those boys are playing.)
– Aquelas mulheres são amigas. (Those women are friends.)
Nuances and Special Cases
While the basic rules for demonstrative adjectives in Portuguese are straightforward, there are a few nuances and special cases that learners should be aware of.
1. Formal and Informal Speech
In Portuguese, the use of “este” vs. “esse” can sometimes change depending on the formality of the conversation. In formal writing or speech, “este” is often preferred even if the object is not immediately close to the speaker.
– Formal: Este relatório demonstra os resultados. (This report shows the results.)
– Informal: Esse relatório é muito detalhado. (That report is very detailed.)
2. Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives
It is important to distinguish between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives. While they may look similar, their usage is different. Demonstrative pronouns replace a noun, whereas demonstrative adjectives describe a noun.
– Demonstrative Adjective: Este carro é novo. (This car is new.) – “este” describes “carro”
– Demonstrative Pronoun: Este é novo. (This one is new.) – “este” replaces the noun
3. Neutral Form: Isto, Isso, Aquilo
Portuguese also has neutral demonstrative pronouns that don’t change according to gender or number. These are used when referring to abstract ideas, unknown objects, or general concepts.
– Isto (this)
– Example: Isto é importante. (This is important.)
– Isso (that)
– Example: Isso não faz sentido. (That doesn’t make sense.)
– Aquilo (that, far away)
– Example: Aquilo é impressionante. (That is impressive.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding and using demonstrative adjectives correctly can be challenging for learners. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Confusing Gender and Number
One of the most common mistakes is not matching the gender and number of the demonstrative adjective with the noun it describes. Remember that Portuguese nouns have genders, and the adjective must agree with the noun.
– Incorrect: Esta livro (This book)
– Correct: Este livro (This book)
2. Mixing Up Proximity
Learners often mix up “este,” “esse,” and “aquele.” Practice by visualizing the relative positions of objects to the speaker and listener.
– Incorrect: Esse casa é bonita. (That house is beautiful.)
– Correct: Aquela casa é bonita. (That house is beautiful.)
3. Overusing Neutral Forms
While “isto,” “isso,” and “aquilo” are useful, they should not replace gender-specific forms when the noun is known.
– Incorrect: Isto carro é novo. (This car is new.)
– Correct: Este carro é novo. (This car is new.)
Exercises to Practice
To solidify your understanding of demonstrative adjectives in Portuguese, practice with these exercises.
1. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct demonstrative adjective.
– (Este/Esse/Aquele) _______ livro é interessante.
– (Esta/Essa/Aquela) _______ casa é grande.
– (Estes/Esses/Aqueles) _______ meninos são amigos.
– (Estas/Essas/Aquelas) _______ ideias são boas.
2. Translate the Sentences
Translate the following sentences into Portuguese.
– This chair is new.
– That car is fast.
– These flowers are beautiful.
– Those houses are old.
3. Choose the Correct Form
Select the correct form of the demonstrative adjective in parentheses.
– (Este/Esse) _______ relatório é detalhado.
– (Esta/Essa) _______ rua é movimentada.
– (Aqueles/Esses) _______ documentos são importantes.
– (Aquela/Essa) _______ mesa é pequena.
Conclusion
Mastering demonstrative adjectives in Portuguese is essential for effective communication. By understanding their forms, uses, and nuances, you can accurately describe and point out objects and ideas in various contexts. Practice regularly, pay attention to the details of gender and number agreement, and soon you’ll find yourself using these adjectives naturally and confidently. Boa sorte (Good luck) with your Portuguese learning journey!
