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Pronouns · Lesson 4

Этот и тот

Demonstratives

этот = this (near), тот = that (far / previously mentioned). Both decline fully and agree with the noun.

4

How it works

этот = this (near), тот = that (far / previously mentioned). Both decline fully and agree with the noun.

Then open Forms, Notes, Exceptions, and Examples in that order.

When to use it

  • Pointing to something near: эта книга
  • Contrasting or referring back: в то время, тот человек
  • In fixed phrases: вот это да, то есть, при этом
  • As pronouns standing alone: Это важно. Я этого не знал.

Pro tip

Treat этот/тот like adjectives: match gender, number, and case of the noun they modify.