When learning Chinese, one of the fundamental aspects of grammar that English speakers need to grasp is the use of demonstrative pronouns. These pronouns are essential for everyday communication, as they help to specify which objects, people, or ideas are being referred to in conversation. In Chinese, the primary demonstrative pronouns are “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà), which correspond to “this” and “that” in English, respectively. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to use these pronouns correctly in various contexts.
Understanding Demonstrative Pronouns in Chinese
Demonstrative pronouns in Chinese serve to identify and distinguish particular items or people within a given context. The two most common demonstrative pronouns are:
1. **这** (zhè) – “this”
2. **那** (nà) – “that”
These pronouns can be used both as standalone words and as modifiers in conjunction with other nouns. Understanding their usage involves not only knowing their meanings but also mastering the nuances of their application in different grammatical structures.
Basic Usage of 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)
In their most straightforward form, “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) can be used to refer to objects or people that are close to or far from the speaker, respectively.
– **这** (zhè) – This
– Example: **这**是我的书。(Zhè shì wǒ de shū.) – This is my book.
– **那** (nà) – That
– Example: **那**是他的车。(Nà shì tā de chē.) – That is his car.
In these examples, “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) are used to directly point to specific items, indicating their proximity to the speaker.
Using 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) with Nouns
When combined with nouns, “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) function similarly to how “this” and “that” are used in English to modify the nouns they accompany:
– **这** + noun
– Example: **这本书**很好看。(Zhè běn shū hěn hǎokàn.) – This book is very interesting.
– **那** + noun
– Example: **那辆车**很漂亮。(Nà liàng chē hěn piàoliang.) – That car is very beautiful.
In these constructions, “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) help to specify which particular book or car is being talked about.
Measure Words with 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)
Chinese grammar often requires the use of measure words (量词, liàngcí) between demonstrative pronouns and nouns. Measure words are a unique feature of Chinese that classify and quantify nouns. Here’s how they work with “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà):
– **这** + measure word + noun
– Example: **这个人**是我的朋友。(Zhè ge rén shì wǒ de péngyǒu.) – This person is my friend.
– **那** + measure word + noun
– Example: **那只猫**很可爱。(Nà zhī māo hěn kě’ài.) – That cat is very cute.
In these sentences, “个” (ge) is the measure word used for people, and “只” (zhī) is the measure word used for animals.
Special Cases: 这儿 (zhèr) and 那儿 (nàr)
Chinese also has specific forms to indicate locations: “这儿” (zhèr) for “here” and “那儿” (nàr) for “there.” These terms are often used to specify a place’s proximity to the speaker.
– **这儿** (zhèr) – Here
– Example: **这儿**有一个公园。(Zhèr yǒu yī gè gōngyuán.) – There is a park here.
– **那儿** (nàr) – There
– Example: **那儿**有一家超市。(Nàr yǒu yī jiā chāoshì.) – There is a supermarket there.
These forms are particularly useful in conversations involving directions and locations.
Question Forms with 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)
To form questions using “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà), you can simply add a question particle like “吗” (ma) at the end of the sentence:
– **这是**我的书吗？(Zhè shì wǒ de shū ma?) – Is this my book?
– **那是**你的车吗？(Nà shì nǐ de chē ma?) – Is that your car?
Such questions are straightforward and are commonly used in daily interactions.
Contrasting 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)
Understanding the contrast between “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) is essential for accurate communication. This contrast is similar to the difference between “this” and “that” in English, but with a more pronounced emphasis on the relative distance from the speaker.
– **这本书**比**那本书**好。(Zhè běn shū bǐ nà běn shū hǎo.) – This book is better than that book.
In this sentence, “这本书” (zhè běn shū) and “那本书” (nà běn shū) are compared to highlight their differences based on the speaker’s perception.
Advanced Usage and Contextual Nuances
While the basic usage of “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) is relatively straightforward, there are more advanced aspects and contextual nuances to consider. These include their use in more complex sentences, idiomatic expressions, and formal vs. informal contexts.
Complex Sentences
In more complex sentences, “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) can be used within subordinate clauses and in conjunction with other grammatical elements.
– **我觉得**这本书**没有**那本书**有意思**。(Wǒ juéde zhè běn shū méiyǒu nà běn shū yǒuyìsi.) – I think this book is not as interesting as that book.
Here, the sentence structure becomes more complex, and understanding how to position “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) correctly is crucial for conveying the intended meaning.
Idiomatic Expressions
Chinese has various idiomatic expressions and set phrases that include “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà). Familiarity with these can greatly enhance your fluency and comprehension.
– **这山望着那山高** (zhè shān wàngzhe nà shān gāo) – The grass is always greener on the other side.
In this idiom, “这山” (zhè shān) and “那山” (nà shān) metaphorically represent two mountains, emphasizing the human tendency to perceive distant things as better.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
The use of “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) can vary slightly between formal and informal contexts. In more formal writing or speech, you might encounter more precise or literary forms.
– **此** (cǐ) – a more formal version of “this”
– Example: **此人**不宜久留。(Cǐ rén bù yí jiǔ liú.) – This person should not stay long.
– **彼** (bǐ) – a more formal version of “that”
– Example: **彼此**互相帮助。(Bǐcǐ hùxiāng bāngzhù.) – Help each other.
While “此” (cǐ) and “彼” (bǐ) are less commonly used in everyday speech, they are still important to recognize, especially in written and formal contexts.
Contextual Sensitivity
Understanding the context in which “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) are used is crucial. Contextual sensitivity involves being aware of the physical, social, and conversational settings in which these pronouns are employed.
– In a crowded marketplace, pointing to items for purchase:
– **我要买**这个**。** (Wǒ yào mǎi zhège.) – I want to buy this.
– **请给我**那个**。** (Qǐng gěi wǒ nàge.) – Please give me that.
Here, the choice between “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) depends on the physical proximity of the items to the speaker and the listener.
Practice and Application
Mastering the use of “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) requires practice and application in various contexts. Here are some practical exercises and tips to help reinforce your understanding:
Exercises
1. **Sentence Construction**:
– Create sentences using “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) with different nouns and measure words.
– Example: **这只狗**很聪明。(Zhè zhī gǒu hěn cōngmíng.) – This dog is very smart.
2. **Role Play**:
– Engage in role-play exercises where you act out scenarios involving the use of “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà).
– Example: Ordering food in a restaurant, buying items in a store, or giving directions.
3. **Translation**:
– Translate sentences from English to Chinese, paying attention to the correct use of “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà).
– Example: Translate “This is my friend” and “That is your book” into Chinese.
Tips for Effective Learning
– **Immersive Practice**: Surround yourself with Chinese language media, such as movies, TV shows, and books, to see “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) used in context.
– **Speak with Native Speakers**: Engage in conversations with native Chinese speakers to practice real-life usage and receive feedback.
– **Use Language Apps**: Utilize language learning apps that offer exercises and quizzes on demonstrative pronouns and other grammar points.
– **Consistent Review**: Regularly review and practice sentences and phrases involving “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) to reinforce your memory.
Conclusion
Understanding and using demonstrative pronouns “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) in Chinese is a fundamental skill for language learners. These pronouns are essential for specifying and distinguishing objects, people, and ideas in conversation. By mastering their basic usage, combining them with nouns and measure words, and recognizing their nuances in various contexts, you can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension in Chinese. Practice, contextual sensitivity, and consistent review are key to becoming proficient in using “这” (zhè) and “那” (nà) effectively. Happy learning!
