that in spanish crossword

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22-01-2025

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That in Spanish Crossword: Mastering the "Eso" and Beyond

Finding the right Spanish word for "that" in a crossword puzzle can be tricky. It depends heavily on context. This article will guide you through the nuances of translating "that" into Spanish, equipping you to conquer any crossword clue related to this common word. We'll explore the most frequent options and when to use each one.

Understanding the Context: The Key to "That" in Spanish

The English word "that" is incredibly versatile. It can function as a demonstrative adjective (pointing something out), a pronoun (replacing a noun), a conjunction (joining clauses), or even a relative pronoun (introducing a relative clause). The Spanish equivalent will vary dramatically depending on its role in the sentence.

Common Translations for "That" in Spanish

• Eso: This is the most common translation for "that," particularly when referring to something previously mentioned or something general and singular. Think of it as the equivalent of "that thing" or "that matter."

  • Example: "He said that he was tired." ("Dijo eso de que estaba cansado.")

• Aquello: This word is similar to "eso" but implies a greater distance, either physical or temporal. It suggests something more remote or in the past.

  • Example: "I remember that time..." ("Recuerdo aquello...")

• Ese/Esa/Eso: These are demonstrative adjectives, meaning they modify a noun. "Ese" is masculine singular, "esa" is feminine singular, and "eso" is neuter singular. They indicate something near the listener.

  • Example: "That book is interesting." ("Ese libro es interesante.")

• Aquel/Aquella/Aquellos/Aquellas: Similar to "ese/esa/eso," but these point to something further away from both the speaker and the listener. They are the masculine and feminine singular and plural forms, respectively.

  • Example: "Those mountains over there are majestic." ("Aquellas montañas de allá son majestuosas.")

Which "That" is Right? A Quick Guide

To choose the correct Spanish translation for "that" in your crossword puzzle, carefully consider these points:

• Is it a pronoun or an adjective? If it replaces a noun, consider "eso" or "aquello." If it modifies a noun, choose "ese/esa/eso" or "aquel/aquella/aquellos/aquellas."
• How close is "that" thing? Use "ese/esa/eso" for things near the listener. Use "aquel/aquella/aquellos/aquellas" for things farther away.
• What is the gender and number? Make sure your chosen word agrees in gender and number with the noun it refers to or replaces.
• What's the tense? Consider if "that" refers to something in the past, present or future tense.

Tackling Crossword Clues: Tips and Strategies

Crossword clues often provide hints to help you determine the correct translation. Look for clues indicating:

• Distance: Words like "over there," "far away," or "yonder" suggest "aquello" or "aquel/aquella/aquellos/aquellas."
• Proximity: Words like "that one," "that nearby," or "right there" suggest "ese/esa/eso."
• Gender and number: The noun "that" refers to will often be mentioned in the clue.

Example Clue: "That book is a classic"

The correct answer is "Ese libro," because the clue specifies the gender and proximity.

Mastering "That" in Spanish: Practice Makes Perfect!

The best way to improve your understanding of the various Spanish words for "that" is through practice. Try completing more Spanish crossword puzzles, reading Spanish texts, and actively using these words in your own conversations. The more you expose yourself to the language, the more natural it will become to select the appropriate word.

By understanding the subtle differences between "eso," "aquello," and the demonstrative adjectives, you'll become much more confident in tackling any "that" related Spanish crossword clues. Good luck!