这 vs 那 (zhè vs nà): this vs that in Chinese
这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) are demonstratives corresponding to 'this' and 'that'. The fundamental distinction is proximity: 这 points to something near the speaker (physically, temporally, or in discourse), while 那 points to something farther away. This page explains when to use each, including common combinations with measure words and time references.
The core difference between 这 and 那 is proximity to the speaker. 这 indicates something near (close in space, current time, or just mentioned in conversation), while 那 indicates something distant (far in space, past time, or mentioned earlier). Both can combine with measure words (e.g., 这个, 那个) to mean 'this one' or 'that one'. In simple copula sentences like '这是书' (this is a book), the measure word is often omitted, but for specific reference a measure word is typically used.
When to use each
Use 这 to refer to something physically close to the speaker, the present or very recent time, or something that was just introduced in conversation. It is the default choice when pointing to something near your hand or within immediate reach.
When combined with a measure word (e.g., 这个, 这本), 这 can specify 'this one' among a group. In informal speech, 这 alone can stand for a noun, but specifying the measure word is more precise.
Use 那 to refer to something physically distant from the speaker, a past time (distant or not remote), or something mentioned earlier in discourse. It is the choice for things you cannot touch or that are far away.
Like 这, 那 often pairs with a measure word (那个, 那本) to mean 'that one'. In time expressions, 那时 or 那时候 refer to a specific point or period in the past (or sometimes the future, depending on context).
At a glance
| 这 | 那 | |
|---|---|---|
| Physical proximity | Refers to objects close to the speaker (e.g., in hand, nearby) | Refers to objects far from the speaker (e.g., across the room, visible in distance) |
| Temporal reference | Refers to current or very recent time (这时候, 这阵子) | Refers to past time (or sometimes future in contrast) (那时候, 那天) |
| Discourse reference | Used for something just mentioned or about to be introduced | Used for something mentioned earlier (often in contrast to 这) |
| With measure word | 这 + measure word + noun (这本书) or 这个 as pronoun | 那 + measure word + noun (那本书) or 那个 as pronoun |
| Negation | 这不是书。 (This is not a book.) | 那不是书。 (That is not a book.) |
Examples
- 这这是书。Zhè shì shū.This is a book.Simple copula sentence without a measure word; 这 is correct because the book is near the speaker.
- 那那是桌子。Nà shì zhuōzi.That is a table.The table is far from the speaker.
- 这这时候，我在工作。Zhè shíhou, wǒ zài gōngzuò.At this time, I am working.这时候 refers to the present moment.
- 那那时候，我住北京。Nà shíhou, wǒ zhù Běijīng.At that time, I lived in Beijing.那时候 refers to a past period.
- 这这本书很有意思。Zhè běn shū hěn yǒuyìsi.This book is very interesting.Use of measure word 本 for books.
- 那那个杯子是你的吗？Nà ge bēizi shì nǐ de ma?Is that cup yours?The cup is physically distant from the speaker.
Common mistakes
- Using 那 to point to something the speaker is holding or touching — use 这 instead.
- Using 这 to refer to a building far away across the street — use 那.
- Omitting the measure word in contexts where it is required, e.g., saying '这书' instead of '这本书' in formal writing (though '这书' is acceptable in casual speech).
- Using 这 for a past event that is not recent, such as '这年' for a year long ago — use 那 instead.
FAQ
- When do I use 这 vs 那?
- Use 这 for things close to you (spatially, in time, or in conversation) and 那 for things farther away. For example, point to a nearby book and say '这是书'; point to a distant table and say '那是桌子'.
- Can I use 这 and 那 without a measure word like 个?
- Yes, in simple copula sentences (这是书) or when the noun is omitted, but when specifying a particular object it is more natural and precise to include a measure word: '这本书' not just '这书' in careful speech.
- Can 这 and 那 refer to time?
- Yes. 这时候 means 'at this time' (present or near past/future), and 那时候 means 'at that time' (distant past or future). They work like 'now/then' in English.
- Is '这个是书' correct?
- Yes, it is perfectly correct. 这个 means 'this one', so '这个是书' is a natural way to say 'This one is a book'. It is especially common when answering '这是什么?'. There is no rule against using 这个 in such constructions.