这这那那
zhè zhè nà nà
The English phrase "this and that" is translated into Chinese as 这这那那 (zhè zhè nà nà).
这这那那 is used colloquially to refer to various miscellaneous things or to describe a situation involving many different details.
Meaning: things (pron)
Which one should you use?
For example, 这个那个 means "this one and that one" and 这样那样 means "this way and that way" or "like this and like that".
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Chinese, the reduplication of the pronouns in 这这那那 serves to create a vague, indefinite sense of "various things".
How do you pronounce it?
zhè zhè nà nà
Did you know?
- When expressing 'this and that' through repetition, you can turn a specific pronoun into a way to express indifference or dismissiveness. If a speaker uses a rhythmic, repetitive tone, they might not just be listing items, but actually signaling that the details are unimportant or trivial.
- In Chinese, you can express the idea of 'this and that' without ever mentioning a noun. The doubled pronouns alone are sufficient to create the meaning of 'various things' or 'all sorts of stuff' within a sentence.
- In some Southern dialects, the pronunciation of the 'this' sound in 这 shifts significantly, which can lead to misunderstandings between speakers from Beijing and Guangdong.
Examples in context
- 这个苹果很甜，那个梨很酸。This apple is sweet, that pear is sour.
- 我喜欢这些书，但不喜欢那些电影。I like these books, but I don't like those movies.
- 这样做不好，那样更糟糕。This way is not good, that way is even worse.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their day.
- 伟 Wei你今天在公司忙什么呢？nǐ jīntiān zài gōngsī máng shénme ne?What were you busy with at the office today?
- 佳怡 Jiayi就是处理一些这这那那的小事。jiùshì chǔlǐ yīxiē zhè zhè nà nà de xiǎoshì.Just dealing with this and that little things.
- 伟 Wei听起来很累的样子。tīng qǐlái hěn lèi de yàngzi.Sounds like you're very tired.
- 佳怡 Jiayi没错，伟，我现在只想休息。méicuò, Wěi, wǒ xiànzài zhǐ xiǎng xiūxi.Exactly, Wei, I just want to rest now.
