这/那(zhè / nà)
This / That (Demonstratives)
Structure Pattern
Explanation
这 (zhè) means "this" and 那 (nà) means "that." When used before a noun, you usually need a measure word between them. The most common measure word is 个 (gè). 这里/那里 or 这儿/那儿 mean "here/there."
Pattern:
- 这 + MW + Noun = this [noun]
- 那 + MW + Noun = that [noun]
- 这些 = these (plural)
- 那些 = those (plural)
Example Sentences
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Zhège rén shì shéi?
Who is this person?
Nà běn shū hěn hǎokàn.
That book is great.
Wǒ yào zhège.
I want this one.
Nàxiē shì nǐ de ma?
Are those yours?
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
这书很好。
Correct Usage
这本书很好。
In Chinese, you almost always need a measure word between a demonstrative (这/那) and a noun. 本 is the measure word for books. Omitting it sounds unnatural.
Related Grammar Points
Possessive / Modifier Particle
de
的 (de) is the most common particle in Chinese. Its primary function is to show possession (like "'s" in English) and to connect modifiers to nouns. Think of it as the glue between a describing word and the thing it describes. It can be omitted in close relationships (e.g., family members).
How Many / How Much
jǐ / duōshǎo
Both 几 (jǐ) and 多少 (duōshǎo) ask "how many/much," but 几 is used when you expect a small number (under 10) and requires a measure word. 多少 is used for larger or unknown quantities and doesn't require a measure word.
Master 这/那
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