pron.
this one; this
这个
this one; this
Literally 'this one' (这 this + 个 general classifier). Demonstrative pronoun pointing to a nearby item, person, or idea.
Common Usage & Traps
- 这个商店 — this store
- 这个苹果 — this apple
- 这个多少钱？ — How much is this?
- 这个手机 — this phone
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这个书这本书书 uses the measure word 本, not 个. Natives understand 这个书, but it sounds like you skipped a basic measure word.
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这个本书这本书这个 already includes 个. Stacking another measure word after it is wrong.
Why do Chinese people say zhèige instead of zhège?
In fast speech, 这个 often sounds like zhèige; the written word stays 这个.
这 often changes to zhèi before 个 in fast, everyday northern Mandarin. So 这个 can sound like zhèige instead of zhège. It is not slang or a different word. The same thing happens with 那个, which often sounds like nèige. If you say zhège, you are always safe. If you hear zhèige, just map it back to 这个.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fast speech | 这个 (zhèige) | thinking it is a new word |
| Slow speech | 这个 (zhège) | correcting a native speaker |
| Listening | zhèige = 这个 | confusing it with 那个 (nèige) |
Can you say 这个书 for 'this book'?
这个书 sounds off; books take 本, so say 这本书.
这个 already contains the general measure word 个. It fits nouns that use 个, like 苹果, 商店, and 手机. For nouns with their own measure word, use 这 plus that measure word. You say 这本书, not 这个书. Natives will understand you, but it sounds like you never learned measure words.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 这本书 | 这个书 |
| Stacking | 这本书 | 这个本书 |
Can you just say 这个 to mean 'this one' without adding a noun?
Yes, if both people can see or already know the thing; otherwise it dangles.
In a shop, 这个多少钱? is perfect because you are pointing at one item. Same for 我要这个 when you are choosing between options. But if the thing is not clear, Chinese speakers expect a noun or measure word: 这个苹果, 这本书. Don't send a coworker a WeChat message that only says 这个 with no photo or context.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Visible item | 这个多少钱？ | 这个 (if nobody can see it) |
| Choosing | 我要这个 | 这个 (with no options in view) |
| Already discussed | 这个不错 | 这个 (as a cold opener) |
If the store is across the street, can you still say 这个商店?
No, use 那个商店 unless you are pointing at it on a map or already talking about it.
这个 points to something near you or something you are actively discussing. 那个 points to something farther away or already distant in the conversation. In the story, the speaker says 这个商店 because the store is right there or is the current topic. If it is across the street, 那个商店 is the natural choice.
“这个商店有很多水果。” (This store has a lot of fruit.)
“这个商店有很多水果。” (This store has a lot of fruit.)
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Near or current | 这个商店 | 那个商店 (if it is right here) |
| Far or distant | 那个商店 | 这个商店 (if it is across the street) |
Appears in Stories 17 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
This short story follows a simple shopping trip in Beijing. You will learn words for buying a phone in Chinese.
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这个 手机六千多块钱。
In this funny HSK 2 story, a boy asks his father for money every day. When his father tries to teach him a lesson, the boy's clever reply will make you laugh.
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这一天， 这个 孩子找爸爸要钱：“爸爸，给我五块钱吧。
This short, soothing piece is about missing someone on a rainy night. The sentences are simple and repeat often, so you can practice reading while feeling the warm emotion.
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这个 晚上，下雨了。
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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“东山再起” 这个 成语的本意是一个人失败以后或从高的地位落到低的地位以后，重新回到成功的位置。
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这个 成语人人都会用，但是“东山”是什么意思，好多人不知道。
In this warm dialogue, a parent introduces their family at a restaurant. A teacher gently corrects common mistakes about family words and names, making it perfect for HSK 2 learners.
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我的朋友说 这个 饭馆虽然很小，但是很有名。
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这个 也错了。
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
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这个 季节，日照时间很长，所以也很热。
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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A：就为 这个 ？
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她还要换一个电话号码，我帮她选了一个888的号码—— 这个 号码又要八百块。
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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他说我不吃 这个 。
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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这个 数字是什么意思？
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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人太多，我很少真的说汉语，所以 这个 “汉语课”很没意思。
This playful rhyme helps you learn family words in Chinese. Practice saying who's who with simple questions and answers!
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小朋友，我问问你， 这个 小朋友，他是谁？
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这个 小朋友是我哥。
Enjoy this simple story about a patient and a mysterious apple. It shows how a small act of kindness can make someone feel at home, and you'll learn key words for feelings and daily life.
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马家友吃了手里的苹果，觉得 这个 苹果真好吃！
Before you read, close your eyes and imagine a rainy afternoon. This story uses simple HSK 1 words to show how rain can become a talking friend.
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这个 下午，天气很好。
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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““我还可以说，我们 这个 地方，有一个卖饼干的，每天在街上叫卖饼干，但他还愿意关心国家大事，关心英美的政治制度，希望国家能走上正确的道路──只这件奇事，已够使我乐观，使我高兴了。
Join a shopper on a quick trip to the store. You'll learn simple words for shopping and feelings in this easy-to-follow story.
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这个 商店有很多东西。
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这个 商店没有我想买的电视。
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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这个 商店有很多水果。
This is a short dialogue about a shopping trip. A woman buys many things, including food, drinks, furniture, and pet food, while her boyfriend reminds her not to overspend.
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这个 商店有很多东西，有吃的东西也有喝的东西。
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那些桌子、椅子什么的， 这个 星期都便宜了，都不贵。”
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