How Do You Say the Word That in Madrid?

By Robert Palmer

Have you ever found yourself in Madrid, struggling to communicate with the locals? Perhaps you needed to ask for directions or inquire about a particular item at a store, but didn’t know how to say the word “that” in Spanish.

Well, fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to say “that” in Madrid and provide some examples of when to use each one.

1. Ese/Esa

One of the most common ways to say “that” in Madrid is by using the words “ese” or “esa.” These are both singular forms of the word and are used when referring to something that is relatively close to the speaker but not immediately so.

For example, if you were at a restaurant and wanted to point out a dish on the menu that you were interested in trying, you could say:

“Esa paella se ve deliciosa.” (That paella looks delicious.)

Or if you saw someone walking down the street wearing a nice outfit, you could comment:

“Ese abrigo te queda muy bien.” (That coat looks great on you.)

Tip: Remember that “ese” refers to masculine objects or people while “esa” is used for feminine ones.

2. Aquel/Aquella

If something is further away from both the speaker and the listener, then it’s more appropriate to use “aquel” or “aquella.” These words are also singular but convey a greater distance than “ese/esa.”

For instance, if you were visiting a museum and saw an exhibit on the other side of the room that caught your eye, you could say:

“Aquella pintura es impresionante.” (That painting over there is impressive.)

Similarly, if someone asked where your hotel was located and it was several blocks away from your current location, you could reply:

“Aquel hotel está a unas cuantas cuadras de aquí.” (That hotel is a few blocks from here.)

3. Esto/Esta

Finally, if you’re talking about something that’s happening in the present moment or something that you have in your hands, it’s appropriate to use “esto” or “esta.”

For example, if you were trying on shoes at a store and wanted to ask the salesperson about the fit, you could say:

“¿Qué te parece esta talla?” (What do you think about this size?)

Or if you were discussing plans for the evening with friends and someone suggested going to a movie, you could reply:

“Me gusta esto de ir al cine.” (I like the idea of going to the movies.)

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are several ways to say “that” in Madrid depending on the context of the situation. By using these words appropriately, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively with locals and gain a better understanding of Spanish culture.

Remember:

– Use “ese/esa” when referring to something that is relatively close to the speaker but not immediately so
– Use “aquél/aquella” when referring to something that is further away from both parties
– Use “esto/esta” when referring to something in your hands or happening in the present moment.

With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be able to navigate Madrid with ease and confidence. ¡Buena suerte!