Which one should you use?
Use これ specifically for things near the speaker. This differs from それ, which is used for things near the listener and あれ, which is used for things far from both the speaker and the listener.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle は after これ creates the topic これは, meaning "as for this one," which is the most common way to start a sentence about a specific object. Alternatively, adding the particle が creates これが, which identifies "this one" as the specific subject. This is often used when picking one item out of many or emphasizing that it is specifically *this* one.
How do you pronounce it?
kore
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use これ to refer to a person, as English speakers often do. In Japanese, you should use the person's name or a different demonstrative like この人 to avoid sounding rude or unnatural.
Did you know?
- While これ is used for objects, Japanese has an entire system called kosoado that organizes words into groups based on the location of the object relative to the speaker and listener.
- The word これ is a descendant of Old Japanese and has cognates in regional languages, such as kuri in Okinawan.
- When shopping in Japan, it is common to point and say これ while the clerk uses それ to refer to the same item, as it is now closer to the customer than the clerk.
Examples in context
- これが一番好き。I like this one best.This example shows how to use これ to express a preference.Tatoeba #8623848 by bunbuku, translation #6357213 by CK
- これじゃないよ。It's not this one.This example shows how to use これ to negate a choice.Tatoeba #10276739 by small_snow, translation #5374437 by CK
- これは気に入らない。I don't like this one.This example shows how to use これ to express dislike.Tatoeba #218454 by bunbuku, translation #55765 by CK
- これは私の本です。This one is my book.
- こちらが私の新しい車です。This one is my new car.
- これ食べたい！I want to eat this one!
- こっちが明日の予定だよ。This (one) is tomorrow's schedule.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are choosing a gift at a store.
- 陽葵 Himariどれにする？Dore ni suru?Which one will you pick?
- 健太 Kentaやっぱり、これにするよ。Yappari, kore ni suru yo.I'll go with this one after all.
- 陽葵 Himariいい選択だね。Ii sentaku da ne.That's a good choice.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、陽葵。Arigatou, Himari.Thanks, Himari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry これ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries これ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
