esto
this
The neutral form of "this"
Encoding Strategies:
repetition
Esto means this and refers to something near you. It's gender-neutral, so it's often used for unidentified things or ideas0 rather than a specific noun.
esto
this
Points at an idea, situation, or unidentified thing.
- Esto es exactamente lo que necesitaba = This is exactly what I needed
- No entiendo esto = I don't understand this
- ¿Qué es esto que hay en la mesa? = What is this that's on the table?
um, well (hesitation filler)
Used as a hesitation filler, like reaching for "this" thing you're about to say when you're not quite sure what it is yet.
- Esto... no sé cómo decirte esto = Um... I don't know how to tell you this
- ¿Puedes venir mañana? — Esto, creo que tengo algo ese día = Can you come tomorrow? — Well, I think I have something that day