Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns 这 and 那
I can use 这/那 with measure words to identify things
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
这是什么？
What is this?
这本书很好。
This book is very good.
那个人是我的朋友。
That person is my friend.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Demonstrative Pronouns
这 (this) and 那 (that) require a measure word before the noun. 个 is the default measure word. 这里/那里 = here/there.
Always use a measure word between 这/那 and the noun. 个 is the safe default.
这是什么？
What is this?
这是什么？ — 这 + 是 (no measure word needed when no noun follows).
这本书很好。
This book is very good.
这本书很好 — 本 (běn) is the measure word for books/bound items.
那个人是我的朋友。
That person is my friend.
那个人是我的朋友 — 那 + 个 (default MW) + 人. Use 个 when unsure of specific MW.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises