такой vs этот

takoy vs etot — such/that kind of vs this/that specific

What it really means

Такой is an adjective/pronoun meaning "such," "that kind of," or "so ...," and it focuses on qualities or a type: такой красивый (so beautiful), такой человек (a person like that). Этот is the demonstrative "this" or "this particular," pointing to a specific nearby or already identified noun: этот дом (this house), эта идея (this idea).

They can appear together when you point to a specific thing and describe its type: такой этот дом is not the normal combination, but такой дом (a house like this/such a house) and этот дом (this house) are distinct. Decline both for gender, number, and case.

Examples in natural speech

Какой такой человек?
What kind of person is that?
Я никогда не видел такого города.
I have never seen a city like that.
Этот дом очень старый.
This house is very old.
Эта книга лежит на столе.
This book is on the table.
Почему ты выбрал такой вариант?
Why did you choose such an option?
Этот вариант мне подходит.
This option suits me.

Common mistakes

Do not use этот for "such": такой хороший день means such a good day, while этот хороший день means this good day. Do not forget that такой agrees with the noun just like этот: такой, такая, такое, такие and этот, эта, это, эти.

Memory tip

Такой describes a kind or quality; этот points to one specific thing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between такой and этот in Russian?

Такой means such or of that kind and focuses on a quality or type. Этот means this or this particular and points to a specific person or thing.

How do you say such a good book in Russian?

Say "такая хорошая книга." Такая agrees with feminine книга and means such a good book. "Эта хорошая книга" means this good book.

Does такой change for gender and case?

Yes. Такой changes like an adjective: такой, такая, такое, такие, with case endings added as needed. It agrees with the noun it describes.

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