Breakdown of Este libro es suyo.
ser
to be
el libro
the book
este
this
suyo
his, hers, theirs, or yours (formal)
Questions & Answers about Este libro es suyo.
Why is it este and not ese or aquel?
Este is the demonstrative adjective for this. It usually refers to something close to the speaker, or something the speaker feels is mentally close in the context.
- este libro = this book
- ese libro = that book (near the listener, or not near the speaker)
- aquel libro = that book over there (far from both)
So Este libro es suyo specifically means this book is his/hers/yours/theirs.
Why is it es and not está?
Because Spanish uses ser for identification, classification, and possession in sentences like this.
Here, the sentence is saying who the book belongs to, not where it is or what temporary state it is in.
- Este libro es suyo. = The book belongs to him/her/etc.
- Este libro está en la mesa. = The book is on the table.
A useful shortcut:
- ser = identity / essential relationship
- estar = location / temporary condition
What exactly is suyo here?