pron.
A proximal demonstrative pronoun pointing to the nearest person, object, or matter at hand. This, these, here, this one — the everyday pointer for anything current, nearby, or just mentioned.
这
Common Usage & Traps
- 这个 — this one (general measure word)
- 这些 — these
- 这儿 — here
- 这本书 — this book
- 这五块钱 — this five yuan
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这书这本书Standard pattern puts a measure word between 这 and a plain object noun. 这书 can sound clipped in careful or written Chinese.
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我喜欢这我喜欢这个Bare 这 works as a subject, but as an object it sounds cut off. Add 个 or 些.
Can you just say 这书, or do you need 这本书?
Use 这本书 for one book; 这书 sounds clipped in careful or written Chinese.
Chinese usually puts a measure word between 这 and a plain object noun. So 这本书 is the safe HSK pattern. Native speakers do drop it in casual speech, but it can sound rough or rushed. If you want zero risk, keep the measure word.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| One book | 这本书 | 这书 (in careful speech) |
| One person | 这个人 | 这人 (in careful speech) |
| General rule | 这 + measure word + noun | 这 + object noun without measure word |
Why does 我喜欢这 sound off, while 我喜欢这个 works?
Bare 这 works as a subject, but as an object use 这个.
In Chinese, 这 can stand alone as the subject of a sentence. 这是我的书 is perfectly normal. But when it is the object, bare 这 often sounds unfinished. Say 我喜欢这个 instead. Think of 这个 as the safe pointing word for a thing.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| As subject | 这是我的书 | — |
| As object | 我喜欢这个 | 我喜欢这 |
| Pointing at one thing | 这个是什么 | 这什么 (very casual) |
Why do Chinese speakers use 这 (this) instead of 那 (that) when referring to money in hand?
这 means this near you; 那 means that away from you.
The speaker points to the money being handed over, so it is close in mind. If the cash is across the room or already in the other person's hand, use 那. The choice is about distance, not grammar.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Money near speaker | 这五块钱 | 那五块钱 (points away) |
| Money across room | 那五块钱 | 这五块钱 (points near) |
| Book in your hand | 这本书 | 那本书 (points away) |
Can 这 mean 'these', or do you need 这些?
For 'these', say 这些; 这 alone does not do the plural job.
Chinese uses 些 after 这 to mark more than one thing. 这些书 means these books, while 这本书 means this book. Do not use 这书 as your normal plural. If you mean people, 这些人 is the standard plural.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| One thing | 这个 | 这些 (for one) |
| More than one thing | 这些 | 这个 (for more than one) |
| More than one book | 这些书 | 这书 (as plural) |
Appears in Stories 12 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
Meet Dr. Mi, a doctor and teacher at Sichuan University. This simple HSK 1 story shows his daily routine from morning to night, helping you learn time expressions and everyday activities.
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米中家妈妈说：“ 这 不是‘米老师的一天’，这是‘米老师的天天’”。
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
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当年乔布斯被踢出苹果公司，十年后，他又重回苹果， 这 件事也可以说“乔布斯东山再起了。”
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这 句俗语通常是用来笑话人的。
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
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这 比在网球场上得分要重要多了。
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
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结果第二天对方笑着砍了他五个点的价，一边还看着他眼睛说，看你昨天吃东西的样子就知道你 这 人没坏心眼，肯定没跟我们要高价，就便宜百分之五吧。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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这 就是为什么方便面里都有一个小盐包。
Ever wondered where old Beijing's tea-drinking culture has gone? Follow a visitor discovering why locals now avoid famous tea houses—and practice expressing surprise and comparisons in Chinese along the way.
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看着 这 ，老北京们心里当然不舒服。
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这 还是茶馆儿吗？
Is four years to reach HSK 5 fast or slow? Follow a conversation between two learners as they compare study hours and share realistic strategies for busy adults.
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我 这 四年要忙工作，说真话，没有很多时间学汉语。
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我 这 四年上网跟老师上课，学了最多四百个学时。
Join a beginner as they ask a Chinese friend to teach them how to cook. This simple HSK 1 dialogue shows that learning one dish at a time is the best way to start.
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小米说：“ 这 没问题，你可以一个一个学习。”
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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胡之适接到 这 封信，知道了他虽然只是一位卖饼干的，竟然能在业余勤奋自学；问的又是胡博士最关心的英美政治问题，更觉十分高兴，便立即亲自写了一封回信。
Shopping for fruit is a common daily task in China. Practice saying prices, counting items, and using simple shopping phrases while buying five apples for three yuan.
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这 五个苹果都是中国苹果。
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
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Ｂ：因为我不喜欢运动，所以 这 两个我都不喜欢。
This heartwarming story shows how a small act of kindness can be passed on. Follow Gao Xianming as he learns an important lesson about generosity in his new city.
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有人没有钱坐车，你给他 这 五块钱吧。”
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