这 vs 这个: distinguishing the demonstrative
这 (zhè) is a demonstrative pronoun/determiner meaning 'this'. As a pronoun, it can stand alone (e.g., 这是...). As a determiner before a noun, it must be followed by a measure word (e.g., 这本书). 这个 (zhège) is the full unit of 这 + the general classifier 个, meaning 'this one'; it is used as a pronoun for a specific item or as a determiner for nouns that take 个. The key distinction is that 这个 is more concrete and specific, while 这 as a determiner requires a classifier.
Both 这 and 这个 translate as 'this', but they function differently. 这 is a free morpheme that can serve as a standalone pronoun (subject or object), as in '这是谁？' (Zhè shì shuí? – Who is this?). However, when 这 modifies a noun (acts as a determiner), it must be followed by a measure word (classifier) specific to the noun, e.g., '这本书' (zhè běn shū – this book). 这个 (这 + 个) is a fixed combination where 个 is the most common general classifier. It can act as a pronoun meaning 'this one' (e.g., '这个最好' – Zhège zuì hǎo – This one is best) or as a determiner for nouns that take 个 (e.g., '这个苹果' – zhège píngguǒ – this apple). The core difference: 这个 is more concrete and often used for specific, countable objects, while 这 as a pronoun is more general.
When to use each
Use 这 as a standalone pronoun referring to 'this' in a general sense, especially as the subject of a sentence (e.g., 这是... 'This is...'). 这 can also be used as a determiner before a noun, but only when followed by the appropriate measure word (e.g., 那本书 'that book', 这件事 'this matter'). In spoken Chinese, 这 alone as a determiner without a classifier is incorrect (e.g., ✗ 这书).
In written or formal contexts, 这 alone as a pronoun is common and natural. In casual speech, 这个 is often preferred when referring to an object at hand, but 这 as a pronoun (e.g., 这很好 'This is fine') remains acceptable.
Use 这个 as a pronoun to refer to a specific, usually countable item (e.g., '这个是我的' – zhège shì wǒ de – 'This one is mine'). 这个 can also be used as a determiner before a noun, but only if the noun takes the classifier 个 (e.g., '这个人' – zhège rén – 'this person') or when the specific classifier is unknown or unimportant. When the noun requires a different classifier, 这个 cannot directly modify it (e.g., ✗ 这个书 – should be 这本书).
这个 is more emphatic and specific than 这 alone. It is often the default in speech when pointing to an object. If the noun's classifier is not 个, you must use the correct classifier after 这, not 这个.
At a glance
| 这 | 这个 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Demonstrative pronoun/determiner | Pronoun/determiner (fixed unit) |
| Can stand alone as pronoun | Yes (e.g., 这是谁? 'Who is this?') | Yes (e.g., 这个最好 'This one is best') |
| Use as determiner before noun | Requires a measure word (e.g., 这本书, 那辆车) | Only works with nouns that take 个 (e.g., 这个人); otherwise 这 + specific classifier is needed |
| Specificity | General reference to 'this' | Specific reference to 'this one' (often with emphasis) |
| Classifier omission | Cannot omit classifier before noun (✗ 这书) | Contains the classifier 个, so no extra classifier needed |
Examples
- 这这是什么？Zhè shì shénme?What is this?Standalone pronoun, perfectly natural.
- 这这本书是我的。Zhè běn shū shì wǒ de.This book is mine.这 + classifier 本 + noun 书.
- 这个这个苹果很甜。Zhège píngguǒ hěn tián.This apple is very sweet.这个 as determiner for a noun that takes 个.
- 这这两个，哪个更好？Zhè liǎng gè, nǎge gèng hǎo?Between these two, which one is better?这 + 两 + 个 (measure word). Correct usage with classifier.
- 这个这个最好。Zhège zuì hǎo.This one is the best.Pronoun referring to a specific item.
- 这✗这书很有趣。Zhè shū hěn yǒuqù.This book is very interesting.✗ Wrong: missing classifier; should be 这本书.
Common mistakes
- Using 这 directly before a noun without a classifier (e.g., ✗ 这书 → ✓ 这本书).
- Using 这个 as a determiner for a noun that requires a different classifier (e.g., ✗ 这个笔 → ✓ 这支笔).
- Thinking 这 cannot be used as a standalone pronoun – it can, as in 这是谁? or 这很好.
- Using 这个 as a pronoun when the noun is uncountable or abstract; in such cases 这 is preferred (e.g., 这很重要 'This is important', not ✗ 个很重要).
FAQ
- When do I use 这 vs 这个?
- Use 这 as a pronoun when referring to 'this' in a general way (e.g., 这是... 'This is...') or as a determiner with a classifier before a noun (e.g., 那本书). Use 这个 as a pronoun meaning 'this one' (specific item) or as a determiner for nouns that take the classifier 个. When in doubt and pointing to an object, 这个 is often safer in conversation.
- Can 这 stand alone as a pronoun?
- Yes, absolutely. In sentences like '这是什么？' (What is this?) or '这很好' (This is good), 这 functions as a standalone pronoun. However, when modifying a noun, it requires a classifier.
- Do I always need a classifier after 这?
- Only when 这 is used as a determiner directly before a noun (e.g., 这 + classifier + noun). If 这 is used as a pronoun, no classifier is needed. So, '这本书' (this book) needs the classifier 本, but '这是书' (this is a book) does not.
- What about 那 vs 那个? Is the same rule?
- Yes, the same logic applies: 那 (nà) 'that' can be a pronoun (那是... 'That is...') or a determiner requiring a classifier before a noun; 那个 (nàge) 'that one' works like 这个 for 'that'.