pronoun / determiner HSK 4
this · here · now
Meaning
此 is a classical, formal pronoun meaning 'this' or 'here'. It appears frequently in written Chinese, official documents, signs, and set phrases. In everyday spoken Mandarin, people typically use 这 (zhè) instead.
Usage
此 is formal and literary. You'll see it in signs like '此处禁止吸烟' (No smoking here), legal documents, news headlines, and classical-style expressions. In casual conversation, native speakers almost always say 这 (zhè) or 这个 (zhège) for 'this'. 此 pairs with 彼 (bǐ, 'that') in formal contexts.
Examples
- 01此处禁止停车。.No parking here.
- 02天气太热，因此我们决定待在家里。, .The weather is too hot, therefore we decided to stay home.
Common collocations
- 如此so, such, like this
- 因此therefore, thus
- 此外besides, in addition
- 由此from this, hence
Antonyms
Origin
此 is an ancient character dating back to oracle bone inscriptions. Its original form depicted a foot (止) moving toward something, suggesting 'this place' or 'here'.