Demonstrative Pronouns
指示代词
Point out people, things, and places using this/that
Use 这 (this) for things close by and 那 (that) for things farther away. When pointing at a specific item, add a measure word between the demonstrative and the noun.
这/那 can also stand alone as pronouns: 这是什么？(What is this?) In this case, no measure word is needed.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Demonstrative Pronouns (指示代词)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 指示代词 pattern
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Understanding 指示代词
Picture yourself shopping in a busy market. You point at a scarf near you and say 这个 (this one). You point across the stall and say 那个 (that one). That's the core of demonstrative pronouns — they're your verbal pointing finger. Once you add place words (这里 / 那里), you can also point at locations. And with 这些 / 那些, you can point at groups. Simple, visual, and incredibly useful. If you think about it, English works similarly — "this" for close, "that" for far — so the concept is already in your brain. The main difference is that Chinese requires a measure word (like 个) between the demonstrative and the noun when you are pointing at a specific item. Once you internalize that extra step, demonstratives become one of the most natural parts of your Chinese.
Key Points
- 这 (zhè) = this; 那 (nà) = that.
- 这个 (zhège) = this one; 那个 (nàge) = that one — the most common combo in daily life.
- 这儿/这里 (zhèr/zhèlǐ) = here; 那儿/那里 (nàr/nàlǐ) = there.
- 这些 (zhèxiē) = these; 那些 (nàxiē) = those.
- 别的 (biéde) = other; 有的 (yǒude) = some — useful related words.
- When used as a subject before 是, no measure word is needed: 这是我的猫。
- 这样 (zhèyàng) = like this / this way; 那样 (nàyàng) = like that / that way — for describing manner or method.
- In casual speech, 这个 is often pronounced as "zhèige" and 那个 as "nèige" — a natural contraction you will hear everywhere.
In Chinese markets and stores, pointing is perfectly normal and not rude. 这个，这个，还有那个 ("This one, this one, and that one") is how many people order food from display counters — fast, efficient, and universally understood.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这是我的手机。
This is my phone.
那个人是谁？
Who is that person?
你坐这里。
Sit here.
这些书都是你的吗？
Are all these books yours?
我不要这个，我要那个。
I don't want this one — I want that one.
有的学生很认真，别的学生不太认真。
Some students are very serious; other students are not so serious.
那家饭店很好吃。
That restaurant is delicious.
Using 家 as the measure word for restaurants
这样做不对。
It's not right to do it this way.
At work or school — pointing to a method
你看那边！
Look over there!
Pointing at something in the distance — traveling
请把那些杯子放在这里。
Please put those cups here.
At a restaurant or at home — giving instructions
Common Mistakes
When pointing at a specific noun, you need a measure word between 这/那 and the noun. Books use 本.
那里 means "there" (a place). To say "that book," use 那 + measure word + 书: 那本书.
这些 already means "these" — do not insert 个 before 些. They are separate patterns: 这个 (this one) vs. 这些 (these).
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
When shopping or ordering food, 这个 and 那个 are your best friends — you can point and say these even before you know the item's name.
Remember: 这里/那里 = places (here/there); 这个/那个 = things (this one/that one). Don't mix them up.
那个 (nàge) is also used as a filler word in casual speech, similar to "um" or "uh" in English. Don't be surprised if you hear it constantly!
At a restaurant, you can order by pointing: 我要这个，这个，还有那个 (I want this one, this one, and that one). No need to know the dish names.
Practice distinguishing 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) by pointing at objects around you — close ones get 这, far ones get 那. Make it a physical habit.
Homework
Go to a café or store (or imagine yourself in one). Write a short dialogue between you and a shopkeeper using at least three demonstrative pronouns (e.g., ordering food by pointing: 我要这个和那个).