此
this, current, next, coming, last, past
Readings
On'yomi
- シ
Kun'yomi
- これ
- この
- ここ
Meaning
此 centers on pointing to something close in space, time, or context: the immediate 'this', the current moment, or the next/last thing in a sequence.
Most common words using 此
- 此間こないだN2
the other day; lately; recently
- 此こん
this
- 何れも此れもどれもこれも
each and every; all
- 此の中このじゅう
recently; not long ago; for a while recently; all the while recently
- 此の内このうち
meanwhile; the other day; recently
- 此の君このきみ
bamboo
- 此の糸このいと
purple; violet
- 此れ者これしゃ
gambler
- 此処許ここもと
here; this area; around here
- 此岸しがん
this world; this life
- 此彼これかれ
this and that
- 此様こなさま
you
Study
Etymology
此 is thought to combine 止 (foot, stop) and 匕 (a person or spoon), originally expressing the idea of 'this place' or 'here'. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 止 (stop) and right side 匕 (a person or spoon) together suggest stopping and pointing: 'this' thing right here.
Reading mnemonic
For シ, imagine pointing at 'this' and saying 'she' — she -> シ, as if identifying a person nearby.