Learning Chinese can seem daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of its grammar. However, once you break down the components, you’ll find that many concepts are quite logical and straightforward. One such area is the use of articles with demonstratives in Chinese grammar. This article will explore how demonstratives are used in the Chinese language, how they interact with nouns, and how they compare to their English counterparts. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to use articles with demonstratives in Chinese sentences.
Understanding Demonstratives in Chinese
In English, we use demonstratives like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” to point to specific objects or people. Chinese has its own set of demonstratives, which are much simpler because the language doesn’t differentiate between singular and plural forms.
The primary demonstratives in Chinese are:
– 这 (zhè) – this
– 那 (nà) – that
When these demonstratives are used with nouns, they are often followed by the particle 个 (gè), a general measure word. For example, 这个 (zhège) means “this one,” and 那个 (nàge) means “that one.”
Using Demonstratives with Nouns
In Chinese, demonstratives are placed before the noun they modify. This is similar to English, but with an added layer: the measure word. Here’s how it works:
1. **This book**: 这本书 (zhè běn shū)
– 这 (zhè) means “this”
– 本 (běn) is the measure word for books
– 书 (shū) means “book”
2. **That car**: 那辆车 (nà liàng chē)
– 那 (nà) means “that”
– 辆 (liàng) is the measure word for vehicles
– 车 (chē) means “car”
As you can see, the structure follows this pattern:
Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun
Measure words are a crucial part of Chinese grammar. They are used to count and specify nouns and are required when a noun is preceded by a number or a demonstrative.
Examples without Measure Words
While it is standard to use measure words with demonstratives, there are instances where measure words can be omitted, particularly in casual speech. For example:
– 这书 (zhè shū) – this book
– 那车 (nà chē) – that car
However, omitting the measure word can sometimes make the phrase sound incomplete or less formal. It’s generally better to include the measure word, especially in written Chinese or formal contexts.
Comparing to English Articles
In English, we use articles like “a,” “an,” and “the” to specify nouns. Chinese does not have articles in the same way, but demonstratives can sometimes serve a similar purpose. Here are some key differences and similarities:
1. **Definite Articles**: English uses “the” to refer to specific items that both the speaker and listener know about. In Chinese, demonstratives like 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) can provide this specificity.
– Example: The book on the table.
– English: The book on the table.
– Chinese: 桌子上的那本书 (zhuōzi shàng de nà běn shū)
2. **Indefinite Articles**: English uses “a” or “an” to refer to a non-specific item. Chinese does not have a direct equivalent, but the numeral 一 (yī), meaning “one,” can sometimes function similarly.
– Example: A book on the table.
– English: A book on the table.
– Chinese: 桌子上的一本书 (zhuōzi shàng de yī běn shū)
Contextual Usage of Demonstratives
The choice between 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) often depends on the context and the relative distance of the object being referred to.
1. **Proximity**: Use 这 (zhè) for objects that are close to the speaker.
– Example: 这只狗 (zhè zhī gǒu) – this dog (close to the speaker)
2. **Distance**: Use 那 (nà) for objects that are farther away from the speaker.
– Example: 那只狗 (nà zhī gǒu) – that dog (farther from the speaker)
Contextual Clarifiers
Sometimes, additional words are used to clarify the context further:
– 这儿 (zhèr) – here
– 那儿 (nàr) – there
– 这里 (zhèlǐ) – here (alternative form)
– 那里 (nàlǐ) – there (alternative form)
These words can be used to provide more context to the demonstratives:
– Example: 这里的这本书 (zhèlǐ de zhè běn shū) – this book here
– Example: 那里的那本书 (nàlǐ de nà běn shū) – that book there
Special Cases and Exceptions
While the rules outlined above cover most uses of demonstratives in Chinese, there are some special cases and exceptions to be aware of:
1. **Emphasis**: Sometimes, speakers might repeat the demonstrative for emphasis.
– Example: 这这本书 (zhè zhè běn shū) – this, this book (emphasizing “this” heavily)
2. **Colloquial Shortcuts**: In spoken Chinese, especially in some dialects, people might use simplified forms or even slang.
– Example: 那个 (nàge) is often shortened to 那 (nà) in rapid speech.
3. **Measure Words for Specific Contexts**: Certain nouns use specific measure words that are not interchangeable.
– Example: 一杯水 (yī bēi shuǐ) – a cup of water
– 一 (yī) means “one”
– 杯 (bēi) is the measure word for cups
– 水 (shuǐ) means “water”
Practical Application and Practice
To become proficient in using demonstratives with articles in Chinese, practice is essential. Here are some exercises and tips to help you master this aspect of Chinese grammar:
1. **Translation Practice**: Translate sentences from English to Chinese, focusing on the correct usage of demonstratives and measure words.
– Example: Translate “This apple is red.”
– Chinese: 这个苹果是红色的 (zhège píngguǒ shì hóngsè de)
2. **Reading Comprehension**: Read Chinese texts and pay attention to how demonstratives are used. Notice the context and measure words.
– Example: Read a short story in Chinese and highlight all instances of 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà).
3. **Speaking Practice**: Use demonstratives in your spoken Chinese. Try to incorporate them into everyday conversations.
– Example: Practice with a language partner by describing objects around you using demonstratives.
– “This chair is comfortable.” – 这把椅子很舒服 (zhè bǎ yǐzi hěn shūfu)
4. **Writing Practice**: Write short paragraphs or essays in Chinese, making sure to use demonstratives correctly.
– Example: Write about your room, describing the objects using 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to use demonstratives in Chinese, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. **Omitting Measure Words**: Always remember to include the appropriate measure word between the demonstrative and the noun.
– Incorrect: 这书 (zhè shū)
– Correct: 这本书 (zhè běn shū)
2. **Using Incorrect Measure Words**: Ensure that you are using the correct measure word for the noun you are referring to.
– Incorrect: 这个车 (zhège chē) – this car
– Correct: 这辆车 (zhè liàng chē) – this car
3. **Mixing Up Demonstratives**: Be mindful of the proximity of the object when choosing between 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà).
– Incorrect: 这狗在那儿 (zhè gǒu zài nàr) – this dog is there
– Correct: 那狗在那儿 (nà gǒu zài nàr) – that dog is there
Conclusion
Understanding the use of articles with demonstratives in Chinese grammar is a crucial step in mastering the language. While Chinese does not have articles in the same way English does, demonstratives like 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) can serve a similar purpose when combined with measure words and nouns. By practicing the correct usage of these demonstratives and being mindful of context, you will become more proficient in both written and spoken Chinese. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that this aspect of Chinese grammar becomes second nature. Happy learning!
