Possessive Pronouns — Additional Notes

Possessive Pronouns — Additional Notes

The possessive pronoun drops the definite article after the verb ser when no distinction in ownership is emphasized. However, for emphasis or contrast, the definite article must be used.

Este libro es suyo.
This book is yours.

Esta pluma es suya.
This pen is his.

But:

Ése es el mío.
That one is mine (specifically the one that belongs to me).

Esta pluma es la suya.
This pen is his. (emphasis)

The possessive pronoun is sometimes used after a noun and is usually translated "of mine," "of his," etc., or "my" if used in an exclamation.

Un amigo mío vive aquí.
A friend of mine lives here.

¡Hijo mío! ¡Qué alto es Ud.!
My son! How tall you are!