这个 (zhè ge) — this

Definition

这个 (zhè ge) is the spoken 'this one' used to point to a single thing. Use 那个 for 'that one', and 这些 for 'these' (plural).

pronoun
this

Examples

  • 这个
    zhè ge Shì shén me?
    What is this?
  • 这个
    zhè ge Hěn hǎo.
    This is very good.
  • 这个
    zhè ge Duō shǎo qián?
    How much is this?

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 這; 这 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Written in full aschuòwalk
Sound part声符shēngfú
yánzhè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In the traditional form 這, 辶 (walk) combines with 言 for the sound. The character first meant “to meet” and was later used for “this”.

Open 这 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 個; 个 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Written in full asrénperson
Sound part声符shēngfú
ge
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

For 个, the form 個 pairs 亻 (person) with 固 as a sound part.

Open 个 →

Grammar

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