Demonstrative Pronouns: 本 & 此
指示代词：本、此
Use the formal demonstrative pronouns 本 (this/our) and 此 (this — literary) correctly in written and formal contexts
Place 本 or 此 directly before a noun. 本 means "this" with a sense of ownership or belonging ("our/this very"), typically used by institutions referring to themselves. 此 means "this" in a formal or literary register, pointing to something previously mentioned.
本 is institutional and self-referential: 本公司 (our company), 本人 (I, myself — formal). 此 is literary and deictic: 此事 (this matter), 此处 (this place). Neither is used in casual conversation.
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Demonstrative Pronouns: 本 & 此 (指示代词：本、此)
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Understanding 指示代词：本、此
While 这 is the everyday word for "this," Chinese has two more formal alternatives that appear constantly in written texts, official documents, and news. 本 (běn) carries a sense of self-reference and belonging — when a company says 本公司, it means "our company" or "this company of ours." When you write 本人, you are saying "I myself" in a formal, almost legal tone. 此 (cǐ) is the classical Chinese demonstrative "this," still very much alive in modern formal writing. 此事 means "this matter," 此后 means "hereafter," and 此外 means "in addition/furthermore." Think of 本 as the institutional "this" and 此 as the literary "this." You will rarely hear them in casual speech, but encounter them daily in contracts, news articles, academic papers, and official notices. Mastering them elevates your written Chinese from conversational to professional.
Key Points
- 本 (běn) = "this/our" — self-referential, used by organizations and in formal self-identification.
- 此 (cǐ) = "this" — literary/formal, used in written Chinese to point to something specific.
- 本市 (this city — spoken by officials of that city), 本校 (our school), 本人 (I/myself — formal).
- 此事 (this matter), 此处 (this place), 此刻 (this moment), 此外 (furthermore).
- 本 implies the speaker belongs to the referenced group: 本公司 = our company (said by an employee).
- 此 is often interchangeable with 这 in writing, but sounds much more formal.
- Common fixed expressions: 由此可见 (from this we can see), 从此以后 (from this point on).
In Chinese bureaucratic and business culture, using 本 signals professionalism and institutional identity. Government notices typically begin with 本市 or 本单位. Similarly, 此 appears in legal and contract language, giving documents an authoritative tone that conveys seriousness and precision.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
本市将在下月启动新的交通规划。
Our city will launch a new transportation plan next month.
An official speaking on behalf of the city
本人对此事毫不知情。
I personally know nothing about this matter.
Formal self-reference, often in legal contexts
此处禁止吸烟。
Smoking is prohibited here.
此事关系到每一个人的利益。
This matter concerns everyone's interests.
本校成立于一九八五年。
Our school was established in 1985.
从此以后，他再也没有回来过。
From that point on, he never came back.
本公司保留最终解释权。
Our company reserves the right of final interpretation.
Very common in Chinese contracts and disclaimers
由此可见，教育的重要性不言而喻。
From this, we can see that the importance of education goes without saying.
Common Mistakes
本人 is reserved for formal contexts where you need to emphasize "I personally" — using it for casual daily events sounds comically stiff.
此 is not a casual replacement for 这 or 今天. It belongs in formal or literary contexts, not everyday exclamations about the weather.
本 as a demonstrative implies "our" (self-referential). If the speaker is not the publisher, use 此 or 这本. Note: 本 is also a measure word for books, so 本书 can be ambiguous.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Read official Chinese notices (government websites, bank statements, contracts) — you will find 本 and 此 on nearly every page.
When writing formal emails in Chinese, use 此 to refer to previously mentioned topics: 关于此事 (regarding this matter).
Memorize the four most useful 此 expressions: 此外 (furthermore), 从此 (henceforth), 由此 (from this), 此刻 (at this moment).
Remember: 本 always implies "we/our" — it is the speaker's group identity marker.
Homework
Write a formal notice (通知) on behalf of a fictional company (本公司) about a policy change. Use 本 at least three times and 此 at least twice. Then rewrite the same content in casual Chinese using 这, 我们, etc., and compare the register difference.