Both forms point to something near the speaker, but they fit into a sentence differently.
The idea
これ stands alone as a noun: これは本です means “This is a book.” この must come directly before a noun, as in この本は面白いです.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| これ | これは本です |
| この＋名詞 | この本です |
Examples
- これは新しい本です。This is a new book.
- この本は面白いですね。This book is interesting, isn’t it?
- これは私の傘です。This is my umbrella.
- この傘は青いですね。This umbrella is blue, isn’t it?
- これはいくらですか。How much is this?
- このパンをひとつください。One of these rolls, please.
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Watch out
Do not put a noun directly after これ or leave この without a noun. The corresponding forms for things near the listener are それ and その.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form: This is my umbrella. ＿は私の傘です。（これ／この）
Show answer or example answer
これ
これ stands alone before は; it means “this.”
Choose the correct form: This book is interesting, isn’t it? ＿本は面白いですね。（これ／この）
Show answer or example answer
この
本 is a noun immediately following the demonstrative, so use この.
Choose the correct form: How much is this? ＿はいくらですか。（これ／この）
Show answer or example answer
これ
The form stands alone before は, so これ is needed.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the correct form: This is my umbrella. ＿は私の傘です。（これ／この）
Choose the correct form: This book is interesting, isn’t it? ＿本は面白いですね。（これ／この）
Choose the correct form: How much is this? ＿はいくらですか。（これ／この）
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Point to a nearby object, identify it with これ and describe it again using この plus its name.