Demonstrative pronouns are an essential part of any language, and Japanese is no exception. They are words used to point out specific things, people, or concepts in relation to the speaker, the listener, or both. In Japanese, there are four main demonstrative pronouns: これ (kore), それ (sore), あれ (are), and どれ (dore). Each of these pronouns has a specific use and meaning, as explained below.
これ (kore)
The first demonstrative pronoun in Japanese is これ (kore), which translates to “this” in English. This pronoun is used to refer to an object that is close to the speaker. For example, if someone were to point at a book they are holding and say “kore wa hon desu” (これは本です), they would be saying “This is a book.” Another example would be “kore wa watashi no ie desu” (これは私の家です), which translates to “This is my house.”
In Japanese, the pronunciation of これ (kore) is simple and easy to remember. It is pronounced “koh-reh,” with a short “e” sound at the end.
それ (sore)
The second demonstrative pronoun in Japanese is それ (sore), which translates to “that” in English. This pronoun is used to refer to an object that is close to the listener. For example, if someone were to point at a book on a table and say “sore wa hon desu” (それは本です), they would be saying “That is a book.” Another example would be “sore wa anata no kaban desu ka?” (それはあなたの鞄ですか？), which translates to “Is that your bag?”
In Japanese, the pronunciation of それ (sore) is also straightforward. It is pronounced “soh-reh,” with a short “e” sound at the end.
あれ (are)
The third demonstrative pronoun in Japanese is あれ (are), which also translates to “that” in English. However, this pronoun is used to refer to an object that is far from both the speaker and the listener. For example, if someone were to point at a building in the distance and say “are wa tokyo tower desu” (あれは東京タワーです), they would be saying “That is Tokyo Tower.” Another example would be “are wa doko desu ka?” (あれはどこですか？), which translates to “Where is that?”
In Japanese, the pronunciation of あれ (are) is a bit different than the previous two pronouns. It is pronounced “ah-reh,” with a short “e” sound at the end.
どれ (dore)
The fourth and final demonstrative pronoun in Japanese is どれ (dore), which translates to “which” in English. This pronoun is used when there are multiple options or choices, and the speaker wants to know which one is being referred to. For example, if someone were to point at three different books and say “dore ga anata no hon desu ka?” (どれがあなたの本ですか？), they would be saying “Which one is your book?”
In Japanese, the pronunciation of どれ (dore) is similar to the previous pronouns. It is pronounced “doh-reh,” with a short “e” sound at the end.
Using Demonstrative Pronouns in Japanese
Demonstrative pronouns in Japanese can
also be used in combination with particles to specify location. The particles used are こそ (koso), そこ (soko), あそこ (asoko), and どこ (doko). Let’s take a look at some examples below:
この本 (kono hon) – this book
この本は私のです。 (Kono hon wa watashi no desu.) This book is mine.
The particle こそ (koso) can be added after この (kono) to specify that the object is right in front of the speaker.
この本こそ私のです。 (Kono hon koso watashi no desu.) This book right here is mine.
その花 (sono hana) – that flower
その花は美しいです。 (Sono hana wa utsukushii desu.) That flower is beautiful.
The particle そこ (soko) can be added after その (sono) to specify that the object is close to the listener.
その花はそこにあります。 (Sono hana wa soko ni arimasu.) That flower is there.
あの車 (ano kuruma) – that car over there
あの車は高級です。 (Ano kuruma wa koukyuu desu.) That car over there is high-end.
The particle あそこ (asoko) can be added after あの (ano) to specify that the object is far from both the speaker and the listener.
あの車はあそこにあります。 (Ano kuruma wa asoko ni arimasu.) That car over there is there.
どの色 (dono iro) – which color?
どの色が好きですか？ (Dono iro ga suki desu ka?) Which color do you like?
The particle どこ (doko) can be added after どの (dono) to specify the location of the objects or options.
どの色が好きですか？ この三つの中でどこにありますか？ (Dono iro ga suki desu ka? Kono mittsu no naka de doko ni arimasu ka?) Which color do you like? Where is it among these three options?
Conclusion
Demonstrative pronouns in Japanese are essential to communicating and specifying objects, people, or concepts in relation to the speaker and listener. Each of the four pronouns – これ (kore), それ (sore), あれ (are), and どれ (dore) – has a specific use and meaning, and they can be combined with particles to specify location. Understanding and using these pronouns correctly will help learners of Japanese communicate more effectively and accurately.
Originally posted 2023-07-17 16:01:33.