How to say the word “it” in Spanish

How to say the word “it” in Spanish:

So, you want to know how to say “it” in Spanish? Well, my friend, it’s not as straightforward as you might think! It’s one of those little words in Spanish that can cause a lot of confusion for learners, and there are a few different ways to say it depending on the context. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it all down for you.

First things first, the word “it” in Spanish is typically translated as “ello,” but here’s where it gets a little tricky. In Spanish, you don’t use “ello” as often as you use “it” in English. In fact, most of the time, you’ll be using other words to refer to things or animals. Let’s take a closer look at the different ways to say “it” and when to use each one.

1. Ello: This is the direct translation of “it,” but as I mentioned, you won’t use it as frequently as “it” in English. You’ll mostly use “ello” in formal or written Spanish to refer to a previously mentioned idea or situation. For example, “Me gustan las películas, especialmente aquella. Ello es muy divertida” (I like movies, especially that one. It is very funny).
2. Eso: This word means “that,” but it’s often used as an equivalent of “it” in Spanish. You can use “eso” to refer to things, animals, or even situations that are not previously mentioned in the conversation. For example, “Eso es mi libro” (That is my book, or, It is my book).
3. Esto: “Esto” means “this,” but it can also be used as “it” when you want to refer to something close to you or something you’re introducing for the first time. For instance, “Esto es interesante” (This is interesting, or, It is interesting).
4. Aquello: “Aquello” means “that” or “yonder,” and it’s used to refer to something that is far from both the speaker and the listener. It can be considered the equivalent of “it” in this context. For example, “Veo aquello en la mesa” (I see that/it on the table).
5. Lo: “Lo” is a pronoun that can be used as “it” when referring to previously mentioned ideas, activities, or situations. You can use “lo” when you want to avoid repeating a noun. For instance, “Me gusta nadar, y lo hago cada mañana” (I like to swim, and I do it every morning).

Now, let’s talk about some statistics to give you a better idea of how these words are used in the Spanish language. According to a study by the University of León in Spain, the use of “ello” as “it” is quite rare in spoken Spanish, accounting for only 2.4% of cases where a translation for “it” was needed. The most commonly used word to replace “it” is “eso,” which accounts for 42.6% of cases, followed by “esto” at 27.3%. The use of “aquello” and “lo” is less frequent but still significant, with 14.3% and 13.4% respectively (University of León, 2005).

So, there you have it! Saying “it” in Spanish depends on the context and what you’re referring to. Remember to use “ello” for formal or written Spanish, “eso” and “esto” for most situations, and “aquello” and “lo” when appropriate. Keep in mind the statistics I mentioned, and you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a native Spanish speaker!