Perfecting Use of Demonstrative Pronouns

In this lesson, we will focus on strengthening your command of demonstrative pronouns in Portuguese. Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out specific items or individuals in a conversation. They indicate proximity in space and time and help to bring clarity to your speech.

Demonstrative Pronouns in Portuguese

In Portuguese, there are four main demonstrative pronouns that you need to be familiar with. They are:

1. Este (this) - refers to something or someone close to the speaker.
2. Esse (that) - refers to something or someone close to the listener.
3. Aquele (that) - refers to something or someone far from both the speaker and the listener.
4. Isso (that) - used as a neutral form to refer to something that has been mentioned previously or is being referred to in a general sense.

It's important to note that these pronouns agree in gender and number with the noun they are referring to. For example:

• Este livro (this book)
• Esse gato (that cat)
• Aqueles carros (those cars)
• Isso é importante (that is important)

Demonstrative Pronouns vs. Demonstrative Adjectives

Before we go any further, let's quickly differentiate between demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives. Demonstrative pronouns stand alone and replace the noun they are referring to, whereas demonstrative adjectives are used before the noun to specify which noun we are referring to. For example:

• Este livro é interessante (This book is interesting) - demonstrative adjective
• Eu li esse livro, mas aquele é melhor (I read that book, but that one is better) - demonstrative pronouns

Usage of Demonstrative Pronouns

Now let's see how we can use demonstrative pronouns correctly in different contexts:

1. Indicating proximity: Use este when referring to something near you, esse when referring to something near the listener, and aquele when referring to something far from both. For example:

   • Eu vi este carro na rua (I saw this car on the street).
   • Você viu esse cachorro lá fora? (Did you see that dog outside?)
   • Aquele prédio é imenso! (That building is enormous!)

2. Referring to previously mentioned objects: Use isso to refer back to something that has been mentioned before. For example:

   • Eu gostei da sua sugestão. Isso é uma ótima ideia (I liked your suggestion. That is a great idea).

3. Expressing abstract ideas: Demonstrative pronouns can also be used to refer to abstract ideas. For example:

   • Este é o amor verdadeiro (This is true love).
   • Esse é o poder da música (That is the power of music).

Practice Exercise

Now that you have learned how to use demonstrative pronouns, it's time to practice. Try constructing sentences using the demonstrative pronouns mentioned above and create your own examples to reinforce your understanding. Remember to pay attention to agreement in gender and number.

Keep practicing and soon you'll master the use of demonstrative pronouns in Portuguese!