Demonstratives: 那么, 那样, 这么, 这样
指示代词：那么、那样、这么、这样
Describe degree and manner using "so / like this / like that"
这么 and 那么 modify adjectives to express degree ("so / this / that much"). 这样 and 那样 modify verbs or describe manner ("like this / like that").
这 = "this" (near) and 那 = "that" (far). Adding 么 gives degree, adding 样 gives manner.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Demonstratives: 那么, 那样, 这么, 这样 (指示代词：那么、那样、这么、这样)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 指示代词：那么、那样、这么、这样 pattern
New here?
Understanding 指示代词：那么、那样、这么、这样
You already know 这 (this) and 那 (that) from HSK 1. Now you extend them to describe HOW MUCH and HOW. 这么 and 那么 express degree — "so much / this much / that much." When you say 你女朋友有她那么漂亮吗？ you are asking "Is your girlfriend THAT beautiful?" 这样 and 那样 describe manner — "like this / like that." When you say 这个汉字这样写 you are showing "Write this character LIKE THIS." These four words make your descriptions vivid and your comparisons precise. They are everywhere in spoken Chinese — once you tune into them, you will hear them in every conversation.
Key Points
- 这么 (zhème) = "so / this much" — describes degree, referring to something near or just mentioned.
- 那么 (nàme) = "so / that much" — describes degree, referring to something far or previously mentioned.
- 这样 (zhèyàng) = "like this / in this way" — describes manner close to the speaker.
- 那样 (nàyàng) = "like that / in that way" — describes manner farther from the speaker.
- 这么 + adjective: 这么高 (this tall), 这么贵 (so expensive), 这么难 (so difficult).
- 那么 is often used in comparisons: 没有那么难 (not that difficult).
- 这样/那样 can be used as subjects: 这样不好 (This way is not good).
Chinese speakers frequently use 这么/那么 for emphasis in casual speech. 这么好吃！(So delicious!) and 那么远啊！(That far?!) are natural exclamations you will hear everywhere.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
你女朋友有她那么漂亮吗？
Is your girlfriend as beautiful as her?
筷子不能那样拿。
You can't hold chopsticks like that.
他哥哥有你这么高。
His older brother is as tall as you.
这个汉字这样写。
Write this character like this.
今天怎么这么热？
Why is it so hot today?
别那样说话！
Don't talk like that!
Common Mistakes
With adjectives, use 这么/那么 (degree), not 这样/那样 (manner).
With verbs describing HOW to do something, use 这样/那样 (manner), not 这么/那么.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 么 = degree (how much) and 样 = manner (how / what way).
Use 这么 for exclamations: 这么好吃！这么漂亮！这么难！— very natural and expressive.
没有那么 is a polite way to disagree: 没有那么难 (It is not THAT difficult).
Homework
Describe five things using 这么 + adjective (e.g., 这个蛋糕这么好吃！). Then show someone how to do three things using 这样 (e.g., 这样写, 这样做, 这样说).