The Ko-So-A-Do System
Japanese uses a logical system of demonstratives based on distance from the speaker and listener. This system is called Ko-So-A-Do (こそあど).
| Distance | Things | Modifier | Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near speaker (this) | これ | この | ここ |
| Near listener (that) | それ | その | そこ |
| Far from both (that over there) | あれ | あの | あそこ |
| Question (which?) | どれ | どの | どこ |
これ/それ/あれ (Things)
Use these when pointing to objects as standalone pronouns (without a noun following).
Examples
これは何ですか。
Kore wa nan desu ka.
What is this?
それは私のペンです。
Sore wa watashi no pen desu.
That (near you) is my pen.
あれは図書館です。
Are wa toshokan desu.
That (over there) is a library.
この/その/あの (Modifiers)
Use these before a noun to specify which one you're talking about.
Pattern
この/その/あの + [noun]
Examples
この本は面白いです。
Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu.
This book is interesting.
その映画を見ましたか。
Sono eiga wo mimashita ka.
Did you watch that movie?
あの人は誰ですか。
Ano hito wa dare desu ka.
Who is that person (over there)?
Remember
この/その/あの must always be followed by a noun. これ/それ/あれ stand alone.
ここ/そこ/あそこ (Places)
Use these to indicate locations.
Examples
ここは駅です。
Koko wa eki desu.
Here is the station.
トイレはそこです。
Toire wa soko desu.
The bathroom is there (near you).
銀行はあそこです。
Ginkou wa asoko desu.
The bank is over there.