There are multiple sets of demonstratives in Japanese. In the following, I will be outlining them, explaining their uses, and providing examples.
Set one:
• これ kore - this, close to the speaker.
• それ sore - that, close to the listener.
• あれ are - that over there, close to neither.
This set is used for non-specific subjects.
Eg. Kore wa pen desu. This is a pen.
Set two:
• この kono - this thing.
• その sono - that thing.
• あの ano - that thing over there.
This set is used for specific subjects.
Eg. Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu. This book is interesting.
Set three:
• ここ koko - here.
• そこ soko - there.
• あそこ asoko - over there.
This set is used for places.
Eg. Koko wa ginkō desu. Here is a bank.
Set four:
• こちら kochira - over here / this way.
• そちら sochira - over there / that way.
• あちら achira - way over there / that way.
This set is used to show direction, motion towards something, or preference.
Eg. Kochira wa konbini desu. Over here is a convenience store.
Demonstratives are commonly used in everyday speech, so it's important to memorise them!
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Let's Learn Japanese!
Non-FictionA Japanese learner helping out other Japanese learners :) 行くぞ！ I may refer to the following resources - be sure to check them out! • Japanese Ammo (YouTube) • Japanese from Zero (Text Book)
