pronoun / demonstrative HSK 1
Traditional 這個
this · this one
Meaning
这个 is one of the most fundamental demonstrative pronouns in Mandarin, meaning 'this' or 'this one.' It points to something close to the speaker in physical space or in the conversation. It combines 这 (this) with the all-purpose measure word 个.
Usage
Native speakers use 这个 constantly in everyday speech to point out nearby objects or to refer to something just mentioned. It can be followed by a noun (这个人 'this person') or stand alone. In casual speech, 这个 is also used as a filler word (like 'um' in English) when someone is thinking or hesitating.
Examples
- 01这个苹果很好吃。.This apple is delicious.
- 02我要买这个。.I want to buy this one.
Characters
Common collocations
- 这个人this person
- 这个月this month
- 这个问题this question/problem
- 就这个just this one
Antonyms
Origin
这 originally meant 'to go' in Classical Chinese but evolved to mean 'this' by the Tang Dynasty. 个 is the most common measure word and grammaticalized from a word meaning 'bamboo stalk.'