Chinese Demonstrative Pronouns & Adjectives

 In Chinese, demonstratives are words we use to point to things. In English, we say this, that, these, and those. Chinese also has similar words.

The Two Core Words

In Chinese, there are just two main demonstratives to learn:

这 (zhè) = this (something near)

那 (nà) = that (something far)

That's it. Everything builds from these two words.

Using Them as Pronouns

When 这 and 那 stand alone, they replace a noun entirely.

• 这是我的书。 Zhè shì wǒ de shū. "This is my book".
• 那是他的车。 Nà shì tā de chē. "That is his car".

Using Them as Adjectives

When you want to say "this + noun" or "that + noun", you need to add a measure word (量词 liàngcí) between the demonstrative and the noun.

The formula is:

这/那 + Measure Word + Noun

Here are common examples:

• 这个人 zhè ge rén "this person"
• 那本书 nà běn shū "that book"

💡 个 (gè) is the most common and general measure word. When unsure, 个 is usually a safe bet!

Plural Forms (These / Those)

To talk about multiple things, add 些 (xiē):

• 这些书 zhèxiē "these"
• 那些 nàxiē "those"

No measure word is needed when using 些. It already implies "a group".