What is “this” in Chinese language: a full breakdown to the character “这” (zhè)
In everyday Chinese conversation, the word this is most often expressed with a single character: 这 (pronounced zhè). While it may seem simple, this demonstrative pronoun carries nuanced rules about pronunciation, grammar, and usage that can trip up even intermediate learners. This article breaks down everything you need to know about 这—from its basic definition to subtle distinctions with other demonstratives, real‑world examples, and practical tips for mastering it in speech and writing.
1. Definition and Core Meaning
这 (zhè) is the primary demonstrative pronoun for this in Mandarin. It points to something near the speaker—whether physically close, temporally immediate, or conceptually relevant to the current context. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of “this” when you’re holding an object, referring to a nearby person, or discussing something just mentioned.
- Physical proximity: 这本书 (zhè běnshū) – “this book” (the book is on the table in front of you).
- Temporal immediacy: 这时候 (zhè shíhou) – “at this moment.”
- Conceptual relevance: 这是一个好机会 (zhè shì yī gè hǎo jīhuì) – “this is a good opportunity.”
2. Pronunciation and Tones
The character 这 is pronounced zhè, a first‑tone (high‑level) syllable. Mastering the tone is essential because a wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
| Pinyin | Tone | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| zhè | 1st (high, flat) | 这杯水 (zhè bēi shuǐ) | “this glass of water” |
| zhe (2nd tone) | 2nd (rising) | 拿着 (ná zhè) – “hold it” (different character) | |
| zhe (4th tone) | 4th (falling) | 住进 (zhù jìn) – “move into” (different character) |
Practice saying zhè at a consistently high pitch, and pair it with visual cues (pointing near you) to reinforce the association with “this.”
3. Grammatical Functions
这 functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun, but it can also serve as a measure word when combined with classifiers. Its grammatical roles include:
-
Subject – The sentence begins with 这.
- 这是我的笔。 (Zhè shì wǒ de bǐ.) – “This is my pen.”
-
Object – The pronoun follows the verb or preposition.
- 我想要这本小说。 (Wǒ yàoqiǎng zhè běn xiǎoshuō.) – “I want this novel.”
-
Complement – It completes the meaning of a linking verb And that's really what it comes down to..
- 这很漂亮。 (Zhè hěn piàoliang.) – “This is beautiful.”
-
Prepositional phrase – Often pairs with 是 (shì) or 在 (zài).
- 这是在厨房里。 (Zhè shì zài chīfáng lǐ.) – “This is in the kitchen.”
4. How 这 Differs from 那 (nà)
A common source of confusion is the contrast between 这 (this) and 那 (that). The distinction hinges on spatial or conceptual distance relative to the speaker:
| Demonstrative | Proximity | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 这 (zhè) | Near speaker (physically, temporally, or conceptually) | “this” – points to something close to the speaker. |
| 那 (nà) | Far from speaker (or far in conversation) | “that” – points to something away from the speaker. |
Examples:
- 这本书在桌子上。 (Zhè běnshū zài zhuōzi shàng.) – “This book is on the table.” (near you)
- 那本书在书架上。 (Nà běnshū zài shùjià shàng.) – “That book is on the shelf.” (farther away)
When discussing items that are far from both speaker and listener, 那个 (nèige) can be used for added clarity It's one of those things that adds up..
5. Common Patterns and Sentence Structures
5.1. 这 + 是 + Noun
- 这是一只狗。 (Zhè shì yī tiǒu gǒu.) – “This is a dog.”
5.2. 这 + Measure Word + Noun
- 这有一本好书。 (Zhè yǒu yī běn hǎo shū.) – “There is a good book this.”
5.3. 这 + 时 + 间 (Temporal)
- 这段时间我很忙。 (Zhè duànqī wǒ hěn máng.) – “I’m very busy this period.”
5.4. 这 + + Verb Phrase
- 这件事我会处理。 (Zhè jiàn shì wǒ huì chǔlǐ.) – “I will handle this matter.”
5.5. 这 + + Adjective
- 这很舒服。 (Zhè hěn shūfú.) – “This is comfortable.”
6. Real‑World Examples
Below are everyday scenarios that illustrate how 这 appears naturally in conversation.
-
Shopping
- “这件衣服多少钱？” (Zhè jiàn fúzǐ duōshao qián?) – “How much is this piece of clothing?”
-
Pointing to an object
- “请拿这本书。” (Qǐng ná zhè běn shū.) – “Please take this book.”
-
Describing a situation
- “这次考试我准备充分。” (Zhè cì kǎoshì wǒ zhǔnbèi chōngfèn.) – “I’m fully prepared for this exam.”
-
Giving directions
- “这条路左转。” (Zhè tiáo
这条路左转。” (Zhè tiáo lù zuǒ zhuǎn.) – “Turn left at this road.”
-
Expressing an opinion
- “这部电影太感人了。” (Zhè bù diànyǐng tài gǎnrén le.) – “This movie is so moving.”
-
Referring to a recent event
- “这几天天气真好。” (Zhè jǐ tiān tiānqì zhēn hǎo.) – “The weather has been really nice these past few days.”
7. Nuances and Advanced Usage
7.1. 这 as a Discourse Marker
In spoken Mandarin, 这 often opens a new topic or signals a shift in focus, similar to “Now,” “So,” or “Well” in English.
- 这，我们先看一下日程。 (Zhè, wǒmen xiān kàn yīxià rìchéng.) – “Now, let’s first check the schedule.”
7.2. 这 in Comparative Constructions
When paired with 比 (bǐ), 这 can highlight a reference point for comparison.
- 这个比那个贵。 (Zhè ge bǐ nà ge guì.) – “This one is more expensive than that one.”
7.3. 这 with 就 (jiù) for Immediate Consequence
- 这你就明白了。 (Zhè nǐ jiù míngbai le.) – “Then you’ll understand.” (Implies: “Given this situation, you’ll get it.”)
7.4. 这 in Written vs. Colloquial Registers
- Written: 此 (cǐ) often replaces 这 in formal texts (e.g., 此处 cǐchù – “this place”).
- Colloquial: 这 contracts to 这儿 (zhèr) or 这里 (zhèlǐ) when emphasizing location.
8. Practice Exercises
A. Fill in the blank with 这, 那, or 那个.
- ______ 是我的手机。 (Near the speaker)
- ______ 个人是谁？ (Far from both speakers)
- ______ 杯茶凉了。 (Speaker points to a cup on the table)
B. Translate into Chinese.
- “I don’t like this color.”
- “That restaurant is famous.”
- “This problem is easy to solve.”
C. Rewrite each sentence using a measure word.
- 这书很厚。 → 这本书很厚。
- 那车很快。 → 那辆车很快。
(Answers: A1–这, A2–那个, A3–这; B1–我不喜欢这颜色。 B2–那家餐馆很有名。 B3–这问题很容易解决。)
9. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Function | Structure | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | 这 + 是 + N | 这是苹果。 | This is an apple. |
| Object | Verb + 这 + MW + N | 买这本书。 | Buy this book. Worth adding: |
| Complement | 这 + Adj | 这很好。 | This is good. On the flip side, |
| Temporal | 这 + 时间词 | 这周末 | This weekend |
| Discourse | 这，… | 这，我们开始吧。 | Now, let’s start. |
| Formal substitute | 此 + N | 此处禁止吸烟。 | No smoking here. |
Conclusion
Mastering 这 (zhè) is a gateway to precise, natural Chinese communication. Keep practicing the real‑world examples, experiment with the advanced structures, and soon 这 will feel as instinctive as “this” does in your mother tongue. By internalizing the patterns in Sections 5–7—especially the 这 + Measure Word + Noun frame and the discourse‑marker role—you’ll find yourself pointing, describing, and transitioning in conversation with the same ease native speakers do. Far more than a simple “this,” it anchors nouns in space, time, and discourse, and it partners fluidly with measure words, verbs, and particles to convey nuance that English often handles with separate words or intonation. Happy learning!
