Greetings! In this guide, we will delve into the various ways to express the word “these” in Chinese. We will explore both formal and informal variations, with regional differences mentioned when necessary. Get ready to expand your Chinese vocabulary and dive into the nuances of expressing “these” in different contexts. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “These” in Chinese
In formal Chinese, the word “these” can be expressed using the following phrases:
1. 这些 (zhèxiē) – This is the most common and straightforward way to express “these” in Chinese. It is used to refer to a group of items or things that are close to the speaker. For example, 这些书 (zhèxiē shū) means “these books.”
When using “这些” (zhèxiē), it is important to note that the pronunciation of “这” (zhè) can slightly vary across different Chinese regions. In some regions, it might be pronounced as “dzhe” or “che.” However, the written form remains consistent throughout China.
2. Informal Ways to Say “These” in Chinese
Informal Chinese often includes colloquial or slang expressions. Here are some informal ways to say “these” in Chinese:
1. 这帮 (zhè bāng) – This is a colloquial phrase used in informal conversation to refer to a group of people or things. It adds a sense of familiarity and can sometimes carry a humorous tone. For example, 这帮小伙子们 (zhè bāng xiǎo huǒ zǐ men) means “these guys.”
2. 这些东西 (zhèxiē dōngxi) – Using “东西” (dōngxi) after “这些” (zhèxiē) emphasizes the word “things.” It is commonly used in informal contexts to refer to a group of items or objects. For example, 这些东西很好 (zhèxiē dōngxi hěn hǎo) means “these things are good.”
It’s important to note that informal expressions can vary greatly between regions, and the ones mentioned above are widely used across different Chinese-speaking areas but may carry slight regional variations in pronunciation or usage.
3. Additional Tips and Examples
Now, let’s go over some additional tips and examples to further clarify the usage of “these” in Chinese:
Using Measure Words (量词)
To specify the quantity of the objects you are referring to, Chinese employs measure words. When using “这些” (zhèxiē), it’s common to follow it with a measure word appropriate for the noun being referenced. For instance:
- 这些苹果 (zhèxiē píngguǒ) – these apples
- 这些学生 (zhèxiē xuéshēng) – these students
- 这些问题 (zhèxiē wèntí) – these questions
Differentiating between “这些” and “那些”
The term “那些” (nàxiē) is the counterpart of “这些” (zhèxiē) and means “those” in English. The distinction lies in the proximity to the speaker. “这些” (zhèxiē) refers to items close to the speaker, while “那些” (nàxiē) refers to items far from the speaker. For example:
- 这些人 (zhèxiē rén) – these people (close to the speaker)
- 那些人 (nàxiē rén) – those people (far from the speaker)
Using Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns offer a more concise way to express “these” in Chinese. Here are some commonly used demonstrative pronouns:
- 这个 (zhè ge) – this
- 这样 (zhèyàng) – these/like this
- 这边 (zhèbiān) – here
These pronouns can replace “这些” (zhèxiē) in more specific contexts, such as pointing to something directly or emphasizing a particular item amongst a group.
Conclusion
Throughout this guide, we have explored the various ways to express “these” in Chinese, both formally and informally. We covered common phrases, colloquial expressions, and additional tips to enhance your understanding. Remember to adapt the formality of your language based on the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. Enjoy practicing and incorporating these phrases into your Chinese conversations!
Keep up the great work, and happy learning!
