Personal pronouns are an essential component of language, allowing individuals to refer to themselves and others in conversation. In Mandarin Chinese, there are several personal pronouns that serve different purposes, including indicating gender and number. In this introduction, we will explore the most common personal pronouns in Chinese and their usage.
Common Chinese Personal Pronouns
我 (wǒ) – I, me
The pronoun “我” is the equivalent of the English “I” or “me” and is used to refer to oneself. For example, “我叫王明” (wǒ jiào wáng míng) means “My name is Wang Ming.”
你 (nǐ) – you
The pronoun “你” is the equivalent of the English “you” and is used to refer to the person being addressed. For example, “你好吗?” (nǐ hǎo ma?) means “How are you?”
他 (tā) – he, him
The pronoun “他” is the equivalent of the English “he” or “him” and is used to refer to a male third party. For example, “他是我的父亲” (tā shì wǒ de fùqīn) means “He is my father.”
她 (tā) – she, her
The pronoun “她” is the equivalent of the English “she” or “her” and is used to refer to a female third party. For example, “她是我的母亲” (tā shì wǒ de mǔqīn) means “She is my mother.”
它 (tā) – it
The pronoun “它” is the equivalent of the English “it” and is used to refer to inanimate objects or animals. For example, “这是一只猫,它很可爱” (zhè shì yī zhī māo, tā hěn kě’ài) means “This is a cat, it is very cute.”
我们 (wǒmen) – we, us
The pronoun “我们” is the equivalent of the English “we” or “us” and is used to refer to oneself and others. For example, “我们一起去吃饭吧” (wǒmen yīqǐ qù chīfàn ba) means “Let’s go eat together.”
你们 (nǐmen) – you all
The pronoun “你们” is the equivalent of the English “you all” and is used to refer to a group of people being addressed. For example, “你们要一起去旅行吗?” (nǐmen yào yīqǐ qù lǚxíng ma?) means “Do you all want to travel together?”
他们 (tāmen) – they, them (male or mixed gender)
The pronoun “他们” is the equivalent of the English “they” or “them” and is used to refer to a group of males or mixed-gender individuals. For example, “他们在打篮球” (tāmen zài dǎ lánqiú) means “They are playing basketball.”
她们 (tāmen) – they, them (female)
The pronoun “她们” is the equivalent of the English “they” or “them” and is used to refer to a group of females. For example, “她们在跳舞” (tāmen zài tiào wǔ) means “They are dancing.”
Formal or Honorific Pronouns in Chinese
In addition to the common personal pronouns, there are also formal or honorific pronouns in Chinese that are used to show respect or address someone of higher status. Here are some examples:
小姐 (xiǎojiě) – miss, young lady
The honorific “小姐” is used to address a young woman or a woman of lower status. For example, “小姐,请问洗手间在哪里?” (xiǎojiě, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) means “Excuse me, miss, where is the restroom?”
先生 (xiānsheng) – mister, sir
The honorific “先生” is used to address a man or a person of higher status. For example, “这位先生,您需要帮助吗?” (zhè wèi xiānsheng, nín xūyào bāngzhù ma?) means “Sir, do you need any help?”
大人 (dàrén) – adult, senior
The honorific “大人” is used to address an adult or a person of higher status. For example, “这位大人,请您稍等一下” (zhè wèi dàrén, qǐng nín shāo děng yīxià) means “Excuse me, sir/madam, please wait a moment.”
阁下 (géxià) – Your Excellency, Your Honor
The honorific “阁下” is used to address someone of very high status, such as a government official or a person with an esteemed reputation. For example, “阁下,请您出席这次会议” (géxià, qǐng nín chūxí zhè cì huìyì) means “Your Excellency, please attend this meeting.”
Usage of Chinese Personal Pronouns
In Chinese, personal pronouns are used in a similar way to English, although there are some differences in usage. Here are some examples of how personal pronouns are used in Chinese:
As the subject of a sentence:
“Wǒ qù chīfàn” (I am going to eat) or “Tā zhèngzài shàngkè” (He is currently in class)
As the object of a sentence:
“Wǒ rènshi tā” (I know him/her) or “Nǐ xǐhuan tā ma?” (Do you like him/her?)
In possessive constructions:
“Wǒ de dìdi” (My younger brother) or “Tā de dìtóu hěn dà” (His/Her head is big)
In reflexive constructions:
“Wǒ zìjǐ” (Myself) or “Tā zìjǐ kāishǐ gōngzuò” (He/She starts working on his/her own)
In comparisons:
“Wǒ bǐ nǐ gāo” (I am taller than you) or “Tā de fángzi bǐ wǒ de dà” (His/Her house is bigger than mine)
Originally posted 2023-07-17 16:30:01.