eso
Lemma Details
Translation: that; that thing; that matter
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: Eso comes from Latin 'ipsum' (itself, that same), which evolved through Vulgar Latin. It's related to English words like 'ipso facto' (by the fact itself). The demonstrative pronouns in Spanish (este, ese, aquel) form a three-way distinction of distance that English lacks with its two-way system (this, that).
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'eso' as pointing to something away from you - 'that' over there.
- The 'e' in 'eso' can remind you of 'elsewhere' - something not right here.
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Eso is used very frequently in Spanish conversation, often as a filler or to refer to previously mentioned concepts. The phrase 'eso es' is particularly common as a way to express agreement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'eso' refers to something near the listener or at a medium distance ('that'), 'esto' refers to something close to the speaker ('this').
Confused word:
Mira esto que tengo aquí.
Look at this that I have here.
Notes: Spanish has a three-way demonstrative system (esto/eso/aquello) compared to English's two-way system (this/that).
Mnemonic: 'Esto' has 't' like 'this' - both refer to things close to you.
Explanation: 'Eso' is the neuter form used for undefined concepts, while 'ese' is the masculine form used with masculine nouns.
This word:
No entiendo eso.
I don't understand that.
Confused word:
No entiendo ese problema.
I don't understand that problem.
Notes: The neuter form 'eso' is used when referring to ideas, concepts, or situations rather than specific objects.
Mnemonic: 'Eso' ends in 'o' like the neuter article 'lo'.