Measure Words with 这/那

In Chinese, nouns don't like to stand alone with demonstratives. They need a partner called a measure word (MW). This word categorizes the noun based on its shape, type, or function. When you want to say "this book," you aren't just saying "this book." You are saying "this [volume of] book." It might feel like extra work at first. However, it actually helps people understand you better in noisy places. If they hear the measure word, they already know what category of object you mean. It is like a secret code that prepares the brain for the noun. Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired! But for you, it is the key to moving past basic survival Chinese.

1. 1Building this phrase is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow this specific order:
2. 2Pick your pointer: Use 这 (zhè) for things near you or 那 (nà) for things far away.
3. 3Add your Measure Word: Choose the correct one for your noun (like 个 for people or 本 for books).
4. 4Add your Noun: This is the thing you are actually talking about.
5. 5Structure: 这 / 那 + Measure Word + Noun.
6. 6Example: 这 (this) + 个 (MW) + 人 (person) = 这个人 (this person).
7. 7If you want to add a number, it goes between the pointer and the measure word: 这三本书 (these three books). Think of it like a sandwich where the measure word is the delicious filling.

Use this pattern whenever you need to specify a particular item. Imagine you are at a busy night market in Taipei. You see a delicious-looking snack. You point and say, 我要那个 (I want that one). Or perhaps you are in a job interview. You point to your resume and say, 这份简历 (this resume). It is perfect for asking directions, like "that building" (那栋楼). It is also essential when you are shopping. You might tell the clerk, "I like this shirt" (我喜欢这件衣服). It turns general talk into specific, clear communication. It is the difference between saying "I like dogs" and "I like this dog."

Don't use a measure word if you are speaking in very general terms. If you are saying "I like books," you just say 我喜欢书. No 这 or 那 is needed. Also, avoid using it when the noun is already clear from context and you are just using a pronoun. However, even then, Chinese often keeps the measure word for clarity. For example, 我要这个 (I want this one) is more common than just 我要这. Also, some time words like 今天 (today) or 现在 (now) don't need measure words. They are independent stars! Don't force a measure word where it doesn't belong, or your sentence will look like it's wearing two hats.

The most common slip-up is the "Naked Noun." This is when you say 这书 instead of 这本书. It sounds a bit like saying "this of book" in English—just slightly off. Another mistake is using the wrong measure word. While 个 is a great backup, using it for everything makes you sound like a permanent beginner. For example, don't use 个 for a flat map; use 张. Also, watch your pronunciation! 这 can be pronounced "zhè" or "zhèi," and 那 can be "nà" or "nèi." Both are fine, but "zhèi" and "nèi" are very common in spoken Beijing Mandarin. Don't let the different sounds trip you up.

You might wonder about 这些 (these) and 那些 (those). These are used for plurals when you don't want to count exactly. 些 replaces the specific measure word. So, you say 这些书 (these books) instead of 这本类书. It is like a "one size fits all" measure word for groups. Also, compare this to 这个 vs 那个. 这 is for things you can touch or are very close to. 那 is for things across the room or down the street. If you can reach it, use 这. If you have to point your whole arm, use 那. It is like a grammar-based distance sensor!