これ / それ / あれ
Point to things near/far from the speaker.
Identifying Objects
Imagine you are at a Japanese market. You see an interesting item on the counter right in front of you, another item in the shopkeeper's hand, and a large sign hanging on the far wall. How do you refer to these items without knowing their names?
The Ko-So-A System
Japanese uses a system of demonstratives that change based on distance. These words act as nouns and are followed by the particle 'は' when identifying an object.
- これ (kore): Used for things close to the speaker (this).
- それ (sore): Used for things close to the listener (that).
- あれ (are): Used for things far from both the speaker and the listener (that over there).
Tip
Seeing it in Action
Here are examples of how to use these words in sentences.
これは本です。
This is a book.
それはペンです。
That (near you) is a pen.
あれは時計です。
That (over there) is a clock.
【これ】は私の傘です。
Hint: Use the word for 'this' (near the speaker).
This is my umbrella. (Referring to something I am holding)
Nuance and Usage
These words are neutral and used in almost all situations, from casual to formal.
これ vs それ
これ
Speaker's territory
これ、おいしいです。
それ
Listener's territory
それ、なんですか。
If you are pointing at a mountain in the distance, which word should you use?
- これ
- それ
- ✓ あれ
あれ is used for objects far away from both the speaker and the listener.
Beyond the Basics
A few extra notes on how these words function.
Lesson Summary
You have learned the fundamental demonstratives for objects. Use 'kore' for things near you, 'sore' for things near the listener, and 'are' for things far from both.