Translation guide
English 'these' is a plural demonstrative pronoun or determiner. Japanese does not have a direct plural equivalent. The most natural translation depends on context, often using これら, これらの, or simply omitting the pronoun when clear from context.
Pointing out or referring to multiple items close to the speaker.
Standard plural demonstrative pronoun for 'these' (things near the speaker). Often used in formal or written contexts.
これらは私の本です。
These are my books.
Plural demonstrative determiner, used before a noun. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
これらの書類にサインしてください。
Please sign these documents.
In casual speech, 'these' is often omitted when the items are obvious from context or gesture.
（これ）全部食べていい？
Can I eat all of these?
Singular 'this' is often used even for multiple items in casual Japanese, especially when the plurality is clear from context.
これ、全部いくら？
How much are all these?
Pointing out or referring to multiple people close to the speaker.
Polite way to say 'these people'. 人たち is the plural of 人.
この人たちは私の友達です。
These people are my friends.
Very polite/formal way to refer to 'these people'. Used in business or formal settings.
この方々が新しい社員です。
These people are the new employees.
Very casual/rude way to say 'these guys'. Used among close friends or in rough speech.
こいつら、うるさいな。
These guys are noisy.
Referring to multiple abstract concepts, facts, or situations.
Used for abstract plural references, often in formal or written language.
これらの問題は解決が難しい。
These problems are difficult to solve.
Means 'these kinds of' or 'such'. Used to refer to a category of things previously mentioned.
Similar to こういった, meaning 'these kinds of' or 'like these'. Slightly more formal.
このような事例は珍しい。
These kinds of cases are rare.
Japanese does not have a simple plural suffix like English '-s'. Using これら or これらの is correct but can sound stiff in casual conversation. Often, context or quantity words (e.g., 全部, いくつか) make the plural meaning clear without needing a plural pronoun.
これら refers to things near the speaker (these), while それら refers to things near the listener (those). In English, 'these' and 'those' are distinct, and Japanese maintains this distinction.
What should we do in these situations?