This one here, that one there (этот и тот)

Near and Far

Russian points with two words. Этот is for what is near the speaker — this. Тот is for what is further away, or already mentioned — that.

masculinefeminineneuterplural
nearэтотэтаэтоэти
farтоттатоте

Этот стол новый, а тот — старый. — This table is new, and that one is old.

This table is new, and that one is old.
Этот стол новый, а тот — старый.

Agreement, As Always

Both words agree with their noun in gender and number: эта книга — та книга, это окно — то окно, эти дома — те дома.

Тот for What Was Just Said

Beyond pointing, тот reaches back to something already mentioned: В тот день мы были дома. — On that day (the one we are talking about) we were at home. This use will grow through the course — first meet it as the far half of this/that.

On that day we were resting.
В тот день мы отдыхали.

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