Mastering “That” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to translate and use the word “that” in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. “That” can function as a demonstrative adjective, demonstrative pronoun, relative pronoun, or conjunction, each with its corresponding Spanish translation.

This article provides a detailed exploration of these different uses, offering numerous examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you master this essential aspect of Spanish grammar. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently use “that” in Spanish.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “That” in Spanish
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of “That” in Spanish
   • Demonstrative Adjective
   • Demonstrative Pronoun
   • Relative Pronoun
   • Conjunction
5. Examples of “That” in Spanish
   • Demonstrative Adjective Examples
   • Demonstrative Pronoun Examples
   • Relative Pronoun Examples
   • Conjunction Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Introduction

The English word “that” is remarkably versatile, serving various grammatical roles within a sentence. However, its translation into Spanish isn’t always straightforward. Depending on its function, “that” can be translated as ese, aquel, eso, aquello, que, or even omitted entirely. Mastering these distinctions is critical for both understanding and producing accurate and natural-sounding Spanish. This article delves into each of these translations, providing clear explanations and numerous examples to guide you through the nuances of using “that” in Spanish. We’ll explore its role as a demonstrative adjective, demonstrative pronoun, relative pronoun, and conjunction, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of its application.

This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners taking their first steps in Spanish to advanced students seeking to refine their grammar skills. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently identify the different functions of “that” in English and accurately translate them into their corresponding Spanish equivalents.

We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and provide practice exercises to solidify your understanding. With a structured approach and plenty of practical examples, this article will empower you to use “that” correctly and effectively in your Spanish communication.

Definition of “That” in Spanish

The translation of “that” in Spanish depends entirely on its grammatical function within the English sentence. “That” can act as a demonstrative adjective, a demonstrative pronoun, a relative pronoun, or a conjunction.

Each of these functions has a specific Spanish equivalent, and understanding these differences is key to accurate translation. Let’s break down each function:

• Demonstrative Adjective: When “that” modifies a noun, indicating which specific noun is being referred to, it functions as a demonstrative adjective. In Spanish, this is typically translated as ese, esa, aquel, or aquella, depending on the distance from the speaker and the gender of the noun.
• Demonstrative Pronoun: When “that” replaces a noun, standing in for a previously mentioned or understood noun, it functions as a demonstrative pronoun. The Spanish equivalents are eso, ése, ésa, aquello, aquél, or aquélla, again depending on distance and gender.
• Relative Pronoun: When “that” introduces a relative clause, connecting it to the main clause and referring back to a noun in the main clause, it functions as a relative pronoun. In Spanish, this is almost always translated as que.
• Conjunction: When “that” introduces a subordinate clause, often a noun clause, it functions as a conjunction. In Spanish, this is also translated as que.

It’s important to note that in some cases, the conjunction “that” can be omitted in English without changing the meaning of the sentence. However, in Spanish, the equivalent que is generally required and should not be omitted. Failing to recognize the correct function of “that” can lead to grammatical errors and misunderstandings.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding the sentence structure in which “that” appears is crucial for determining its correct Spanish translation. Let’s examine the structural elements associated with each function:

• Demonstrative Adjective: “That” is followed immediately by a noun. The Spanish equivalent (ese, esa, aquel, aquella) precedes the noun, agreeing in gender and number. For example: “That car” becomes Ese coche (that car).
• Demonstrative Pronoun: “That” stands alone, acting as the subject or object of a verb. The Spanish equivalent (eso, ése, ésa, aquello, aquél, aquélla) replaces the noun. For example: “I want that” becomes Quiero eso (I want that).
• Relative Pronoun: “That” introduces a relative clause, which provides additional information about a noun in the main clause. The Spanish equivalent que connects the two clauses. For example: “The book that I read” becomes El libro que leí (The book that I read).
• Conjunction: “That” introduces a subordinate clause, often a noun clause acting as the subject or object of the main clause. The Spanish equivalent que connects the two clauses. For example: “I think that it is true” becomes Pienso que es verdad (I think that it is true).

Identifying the type of clause introduced by “that” (relative or subordinate) is essential. Relative clauses modify nouns, while subordinate clauses function as nouns themselves.

Recognizing these structural differences will help you choose the correct Spanish translation.

Types and Categories of “That” in Spanish

As mentioned earlier, “that” can function as different parts of speech, each requiring a specific translation in Spanish. Let’s explore these categories in more detail:

Demonstrative Adjective

When “that” acts as a demonstrative adjective, it points out a specific noun. The choice between ese/esa and aquel/aquella depends on the distance from the speaker. Ese/esa refers to something closer to the listener, while aquel/aquella refers to something further away from both the speaker and the listener.

Demonstrative Pronoun

When “that” acts as a demonstrative pronoun, it replaces a noun. Similar to the demonstrative adjectives, the choice between ése/ésa/eso and aquél/aquélla/aquello depends on the distance from the speaker. Ése/ésa/eso refers to something closer to the listener, while aquél/aquélla/aquello refers to something further away. Eso is neuter and refers to a general idea or situation.

Relative Pronoun

When “that” acts as a relative pronoun, it introduces a relative clause that modifies a noun. In almost all cases, the Spanish equivalent is que. This is the most common and straightforward translation of “that.”

Conjunction

When “that” acts as a conjunction, it introduces a subordinate clause, often a noun clause. The Spanish equivalent is que. Unlike English, where “that” can sometimes be omitted, que is almost always required in Spanish.

Examples of “That” in Spanish

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at numerous examples of “that” used in different contexts, along with their corresponding Spanish translations.

Demonstrative Adjective Examples

These examples illustrate how “that” functions as a demonstrative adjective, pointing out a specific noun. The choice between ese/esa and aquel/aquella depends on the distance from the speaker.

English	Spanish
That car is expensive.	Ese coche es caro.
That house over there is beautiful.	Aquella casa es hermosa.
I don’t like that shirt.	No me gusta esa camisa.
That book on the table is mine.	Ese libro en la mesa es mío.
Did you see that movie?	¿Viste esa película?
That dog is very friendly.	Ese perro es muy amigable.
That woman is my teacher.	Esa mujer es mi profesora.
That idea is interesting.	Esa idea es interesante.
I need that information.	Necesito esa información.
That problem is difficult to solve.	Ese problema es difícil de resolver.
That song is my favorite.	Esa canción es mi favorita.
That country is very large.	Aquel país es muy grande.
That city is very crowded.	Aquella ciudad está muy concurrida.
That man is very tall.	Aquel hombre es muy alto.
That tree is very old.	Aquel árbol es muy viejo.
That girl is very smart.	Esa chica es muy inteligente.
That coffee is delicious.	Ese café está delicioso.
That question is hard.	Esa pregunta es difícil.
That answer is correct.	Esa respuesta es correcta.
That day was wonderful.	Ese día fue maravilloso.
That moment was unforgettable.	Aquel momento fue inolvidable.
That time is long gone.	Aquel tiempo se fue hace mucho.
That place is very special.	Aquel lugar es muy especial.

Demonstrative Pronoun Examples

These examples demonstrate how “that” functions as a demonstrative pronoun, replacing a noun. Again, the choice between ése/ésa/eso and aquél/aquélla/aquello depends on the distance and gender, with eso being the neuter form.

English	Spanish
I want that.	Quiero eso.
Is that yours?	¿Es tuyo eso?
I don’t like that.	No me gusta eso.
That is a good idea.	Eso es una buena idea.
Which one do you want? That one.	¿Cuál quieres? Aquél.
Is that what you said?	¿Es eso lo que dijiste?
I didn’t know that.	No sabía eso.
That is not important.	Eso no es importante.
Do you remember that?	¿Recuerdas eso?
That is very interesting.	Eso es muy interesante.
That is what I was looking for.	Eso es lo que estaba buscando.
That is the problem.	Ese es el problema.
That is the solution.	Esa es la solución.
That is what I mean.	Eso es lo que quiero decir.
That is enough.	Eso es suficiente.
That is all I need.	Eso es todo lo que necesito.
That is what I thought.	Eso es lo que pensé.
That is what I heard.	Eso es lo que escuché.
That is what I saw.	Eso es lo que vi.
That is what I felt.	Eso es lo que sentí.
That is what matters.	Eso es lo que importa.
He said that.	Él dijo eso.
She knows that.	Ella sabe eso.
They believe that.	Ellos creen eso.

Relative Pronoun Examples

These examples illustrate how “that” functions as a relative pronoun, introducing a relative clause that modifies a noun. In these cases, “that” is almost always translated as que.

English	Spanish
The book that I read was very interesting.	El libro que leí fue muy interesante.
The person that I met was very kind.	La persona que conocí fue muy amable.
The car that I bought is very fast.	El coche que compré es muy rápido.
The movie that I saw was very funny.	La película que vi fue muy divertida.
The song that I like is very popular.	La canción que me gusta es muy popular.
The house that I live in is very old.	La casa en la que vivo es muy antigua.
The city that I visited was very beautiful.	La ciudad que visité fue muy hermosa.
The restaurant that I went to was very expensive.	El restaurante al que fui era muy caro.
The man that I saw was very tall.	El hombre que vi era muy alto.
The woman that I talked to was very helpful.	La mujer con la que hablé fue muy útil.
The problem that I have is very difficult.	El problema que tengo es muy difícil.
The solution that I found is very simple.	La solución que encontré es muy simple.
The answer that I gave was correct.	La respuesta que di fue correcta.
The question that I asked was very important.	La pregunta que hice fue muy importante.
The idea that I had was very creative.	La idea que tuve fue muy creativa.
The food that I ate was very delicious.	La comida que comí estaba deliciosa.
The drink that I had was very refreshing.	La bebida que tomé fue muy refrescante.
The clothes that I bought were very cheap.	La ropa que compré era muy barata.
The shoes that I wore were very comfortable.	Los zapatos que usé eran muy cómodos.
The job that I have is very interesting.	El trabajo que tengo es muy interesante.
The opportunity that I got was very lucky.	La oportunidad que tuve fue muy afortunada.
The time that I spent there was great.	El tiempo que pasé allí fue genial.

Conjunction Examples

These examples show how “that” functions as a conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause. The Spanish equivalent is que, and it’s generally required in Spanish, even when it can be omitted in English.

English	Spanish
I think that it is true.	Pienso que es verdad.
She said that she was tired.	Ella dijo que estaba cansada.
He believes that he is right.	Él cree que tiene razón.
They know that it is important.	Saben que es importante.
I hope that you are well.	Espero que estés bien.
It is possible that it will rain.	Es posible que llueva.
I am sure that he will come.	Estoy seguro de que vendrá.
It is obvious that she is happy.	Es obvio que ella está feliz.
I understand that you are busy.	Entiendo que estás ocupado.
It is important that you arrive on time.	Es importante que llegues a tiempo.
I suspect that he is lying.	Sospecho que está mintiendo.
It seems that she is angry.	Parece que ella está enojada.
I heard that he is sick.	Escuché que está enfermo.
It is true that she is beautiful.	Es verdad que ella es hermosa.
I realized that I was wrong.	Me di cuenta de que estaba equivocado.
It is likely that they will win.	Es probable que ganen.
I am afraid that I can’t help you.	Me temo que no puedo ayudarte.
It is necessary that we leave now.	Es necesario que nos vayamos ahora.
I am glad that you came.	Me alegro de que hayas venido.
It is surprising that he succeeded.	Es sorprendente que haya tenido éxito.
I regret that I didn’t study harder.	Lamento no haber estudiado más.
It is a pity that he is leaving.	Es una pena que se vaya.

Usage Rules

Here are some key usage rules to remember when translating “that” into Spanish:

• Demonstrative Adjectives: Remember to agree the gender and number of the demonstrative adjective (ese/esa/aquel/aquella) with the noun it modifies.
• Demonstrative Pronouns: Similarly, ensure the demonstrative pronoun (ése/ésa/eso/aquél/aquélla/aquello) agrees in gender and number with the noun it replaces. Eso is always neuter.
• Relative Pronouns: In almost all cases, use que as the relative pronoun. Prepositions may be required before que in some cases, such as el libro en que leí (the book in which I read).
• Conjunctions: Never omit que when it functions as a conjunction in Spanish. This is a common mistake made by English speakers learning Spanish.
• Distance: Pay attention to the distance from the speaker and listener when choosing between ese/esa/aquel/aquella and ése/ésa/eso/aquél/aquélla/aquello.

Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors and use “that” correctly in Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when translating “that” into Spanish:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Pienso es verdad.	Pienso que es verdad.	The conjunction que is required in Spanish, even when “that” is omitted in English.
Ese libro es mío, quiero ese.	Ese libro es mío, quiero ése.	When “that” is a pronoun, it requires an accent mark to differentiate it from the adjective.
El libro que leí fue interesante.	El libro que leí fue interesante.	This sentence is already correct. Que is the correct translation for “that” as a relative pronoun.
Esa coche es caro.	Ese coche es caro.	The demonstrative adjective must agree in gender with the noun. Coche is masculine, so ese is correct.
Quiero aquella.	Quiero aquélla.	The demonstrative pronoun must agree in gender and number with the noun it replaces. Here assuming a feminine noun.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy and avoid confusion.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Translate the following sentences into Spanish, paying attention to the function of “that” in each sentence.

#	English	Spanish (Answer)
1	That house is very big.	Esa casa es muy grande.
2	I want that one.	Quiero ése / Quiero aquél.
3	The movie that I saw was scary.	La película que vi fue aterradora.
4	I think that it is a good idea.	Pienso que es una buena idea.
5	That car over there is mine.	Aquel coche es mío.
6	Is that what you meant?	¿Es eso lo que querías decir?
7	The book that I am reading is very long.	El libro que estoy leyendo es muy largo.
8	She said that she was happy.	Ella dijo que estaba feliz.
9	That is not true.	Eso no es verdad.
10	The man that helped me was very kind.	El hombre que me ayudó fue muy amable.
11	I told you that I would come.	Te dije que vendría.
12	That dog is really cute.	Ese perro es muy lindo.
13	That is all I need.	Eso es todo lo que necesito.
14	The song that I love is playing.	La canción que amo está sonando.
15	I believe that you are right.	Creo que tienes razón.
16	That woman is my sister.	Esa mujer es mi hermana.
17	I remember that day very well.	Recuerdo ese día muy bien.
18	That is the main problem.	Ese es el principal problema.
19	The reason that he left is unknown.	La razón por la que se fue es desconocida.
20	I know that you can do it.	Sé que puedes hacerlo.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, let’s explore some more complex aspects of translating “that” into Spanish:

• Lo que: When “that” refers to a general idea or concept, rather than a specific noun, you can use lo que. For example: “That which is important” becomes Lo que es importante.
• Prepositions before que: In some relative clauses, a preposition is required before que. For example: “The house in which I live” becomes La casa en la que vivo. The preposition depends on the verb or noun in the relative clause.
• Subjunctive Mood: When “that” introduces a subordinate clause expressing doubt, desire, or emotion, the subjunctive mood is often required in the Spanish verb. For example: “I hope that he comes” becomes Espero que venga (venga is the subjunctive form of venir).

Mastering these advanced topics will further enhance your fluency and accuracy in Spanish.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about translating “that” into Spanish:

1. When can I omit que in Spanish?

   Unlike English, you generally cannot omit que when it functions as a conjunction in Spanish. This is a common mistake made by English speakers. Always include que when it introduces a subordinate clause.

2. What is the difference between ese and aquel?

   Both ese and aquel are demonstrative adjectives, but they indicate different distances. Ese refers to something closer to the listener, while aquel refers to something further away from both the speaker and the listener.

3. When should I use eso instead of ése or ésa?

   Eso is a neuter demonstrative pronoun and is used to refer to a general idea, situation, or something that is not specifically masculine or feminine. Ése and ésa are masculine and feminine, respectively, and refer to specific nouns.

4. How do I know when to use the subjunctive mood after que?

   The subjunctive mood is typically used after que when the main clause expresses doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty. Common verbs that trigger the subjunctive include esperar (to hope), querer (to want), dudar (to doubt), and sentir (to regret).

5. What is lo que, and when should I use it?

   Lo que translates to “that which” or “what” and is used to refer to a general idea or concept, rather than a specific noun. For example, Lo que necesito es tiempo (That which I need is time).

6. Why is it important to know the gender of nouns when using demonstrative adjectives and pronouns?

   Spanish is a gendered language, meaning that nouns are either masculine or feminine. Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify or replace. Using the wrong gender can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.

7. Are there any exceptions to the rule of using que as a relative pronoun?

   While que is the most common relative pronoun, there are instances where other relative pronouns like quien (who) or el cual (which) are used, especially after prepositions or when referring to people. However, que is generally acceptable and safe to use in most situations.

Conclusion

Mastering the translation of “that” into Spanish requires understanding its various grammatical functions and their corresponding Spanish equivalents. By recognizing whether “that” is used as a demonstrative adjective, demonstrative pronoun, relative pronoun, or conjunction, you can choose the appropriate Spanish translation and avoid common errors.

Remember to pay attention to gender agreement, distance, and the use of the subjunctive mood in subordinate clauses. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently and accurately use “that” in your Spanish communication.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to understanding and using “that” in Spanish. By reviewing the examples, usage rules, and practice exercises, you can solidify your knowledge and improve your fluency.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon master this essential aspect of Spanish grammar.

Remember to always consider the context and function of “that” in the sentence to choose the correct translation.