Translation guide
In Japanese, demonstratives are a system of words that indicate things relative to the speaker, listener, or a shared context. They are organized into prefixes (こそあど) and cover objects, places, directions, and manners. This guide helps learners choose the right demonstrative based on distance and usage.
Pointing out a specific object or thing, like 'this', 'that', or 'that over there'.
Refers to something near the speaker. Equivalent to 'this'.
This is my book.
Refers to something near the listener. Equivalent to 'that' (by you).
Refers to something far from both speaker and listener. Equivalent to 'that over there'.
Interrogative: 'which one?' Used when choosing from a group.
Describing a noun with 'this', 'that', etc., like 'this book' or 'that person'.
Attaches to a noun to mean 'this ~' (near speaker).
Indicating a location: 'here', 'there', 'over there', 'where'.
Place near the speaker: 'here'.
Pointing out a direction or side: 'this way', 'that way', 'which way'.
Polite form for direction/person near speaker: 'this way' or 'this person'. Also used in formal contexts.
Describing how something is done: 'like this', 'in this way', 'how'.
In this way (near speaker). Often used with verbs like する or やる.
Describing a type or kind: 'this kind of', 'like this', 'what kind of'.
This kind of (near speaker). Often used with a noun.
Referring to people politely using demonstratives: 'this person', 'that person', 'which person'.
Using demonstratives to refer to ideas, previous statements, or upcoming information.
Used to introduce a topic or explain something. 'This is ~'.
This is an important matter.
The こ-series is for things near the speaker, そ-series near the listener, あ-series far from both, and ど-series for questions. This physical distance also applies to psychological distance: こ for speaker's territory, そ for listener's, あ for shared distant context.
This is mine, that is yours, that over there is his.
What is that?
That over there is Tokyo Tower.
Which one is your umbrella?
この本は面白いです。
This book is interesting.
Attaches to a noun to mean 'that ~' (near listener).
Please lend me that pen.
Attaches to a noun to mean 'that ~ over there' (far from both).
That mountain over there is Mt. Fuji.
Interrogative: 'which ~?' Used before a noun.
Which train will you take?
ここに座ってください。
Please sit here.
Place far from both: 'over there'.
There's a post office over there.
Interrogative: 'where'.
Where is the restroom?
This way, please.
Polite form for direction/person near listener: 'that way' or 'that person'.
Who is that (person by you)?
Polite form for direction/person far from both: 'that way over there'.
What you can see over there is the station.
Polite interrogative: 'which direction' or 'which one' (between two).
Which way is the exit?
Casual version of こちら: 'this way', 'over here'.
Come over here.
Casual version of そちら: 'that way', 'over there (by you)'.
How is it over there?
Casual version of あちら: 'over there' (far).
Let's go over there.
Casual interrogative: 'which way' or 'which one'.
Which one do you prefer?
こうやって書きます。
You write it like this.
In that way (near listener). Also used to mean 'yes' or 'that's right'.
Please do it like that.
In that way (far from both). Less common in daily speech; often replaced by そう.
That kind of method is not good.
Interrogative: 'how', 'in what way'.
How do you use this?
This kind of thing has never happened before.
That kind of (near listener). Can also express disbelief: 'No way!'
I've never heard that kind of story.
That kind of (far from both).
I want to become that kind of person.
Interrogative: 'what kind of'.
What kind of music do you like?
Polite way to say 'this person' (near speaker).
This person is my teacher.
Polite way to say 'that person' (near listener).
Who is that person?
Polite way to say 'that person over there'.
That person over there is a famous writer.
Polite interrogative: 'which person'.
Which person is Mr. Tanaka?
Refers to what the listener just said or a known fact. 'That is ~'.
That's a good idea.
Refers to a shared memory or distant past event. 'That (we both know) is ~'.
That was ten years ago.
English speakers often use 'that' for things near the listener, but in Japanese それ is correct. Use あれ only when the object is far from both speaker and listener.
Please pass me that (by you).
Use こちら/そちら/あちら/どちら in formal situations or with strangers. With friends, こっち/そっち/あっち/どっち is natural. The casual forms are very common in daily speech.