nàge / nèige: 那个 - That one / Um, Uh

• Keywords: 那个, neige, nage, nàge, Chinese filler word, Chinese um, what does neige mean, that one in Chinese, difference between nage and zhege, Mandarin Chinese basics, learning Chinese pronunciation, common Chinese words, HSK 1 vocabulary.
• Summary: Discover the meaning and usage of “那个” (nàge), one of the most frequently used words in Mandarin Chinese. This page provides a deep dive for English-speaking learners, explaining its two primary functions: as the simple demonstrative “that one” and as the ubiquitous filler word “um” or “uh,” often pronounced “nèige”. We'll explore practical examples, crucial cultural context, and clarify the common and sensitive misunderstanding caused by its phonetic similarity to an English racial slur, ensuring you can use the term confidently and accurately.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): nàge (formal/demonstrative) / nèige (colloquial, especially as a filler)
• Part of Speech: Pronoun / Filler Word (Interjection)
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: “That one”; or a hesitation marker equivalent to “um,” “uh,” or “like.”
• In a Nutshell: “那个” is a fundamental word with a split personality. In its most basic sense, it simply means “that one,” pointing to something physically or conceptually distant. However, its most common use in daily conversation is as a verbal pause or “filler word,” similar to saying “um” or “uh” in English while you gather your thoughts.

• 那 (nà): This character means “that.” It points to something that is relatively far from the speaker, in contrast to 这 (zhè), which means “this.” Think of it as establishing distance.
• 个 (ge): This is the most common “measure word” in Chinese. It's a general-purpose counter for people and many objects, similar in function to “a” or “one unit of” in English.
• When combined, 那个 (nàge) literally translates to “that unit” or “that one,” creating a simple and effective way to point something out.

The primary cultural significance of “那个” lies in its role as China's quintessential filler word. While English speakers might use a variety of placeholders like “um,” “uh,” “like,” “you know,” or “well,” Mandarin speakers heavily rely on “那个” (often pronounced “nèige”). This is not a sign of a poor vocabulary or lack of education; it is a natural and ingrained feature of spontaneous, spoken Chinese. It's a verbal tool used to hold one's turn in a conversation while the brain searches for the right word or formulates the next part of a sentence. For a learner, understanding this is key to interpreting the natural rhythm of Chinese speech. The pronunciation often shifts from the standard “nàge” to the more relaxed, faster “nèige” (sounds like “nay-guh”) in this context. Hearing this shift is a strong signal that the speaker is pausing to think, not referring to “that one.” Recognizing this distinction is a major step towards understanding authentic, everyday Mandarin.

This is the word's literal meaning. It's used to identify a specific person or object that is not close to the speaker.

• Formality: Neutral. It's used in all contexts, from ordering food to business meetings.
• Connotation: Purely functional and neutral.
• Usage: It can be used alone (“I want that one.”) or before a noun to specify (“I want that book.”). The pronunciation is typically the standard, clear nàge.

This is the most common usage you'll hear on the streets, in offices, and on TV shows.

• Pronunciation: Almost always shifts to the colloquial nèige.
• Formality: Strictly informal. You would avoid using it repeatedly in a formal presentation, a prepared speech, or in academic writing.
• Connotation: It's generally neutral, simply indicating a pause for thought. However, in certain contexts, it can be used deliberately to signal hesitation, to avoid a sensitive topic, or to imply something without stating it explicitly (see Example 10).

• Example 1: (As a pronoun)
  • 你看，那个人是谁？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn, nàge rén shì shéi?
  • English: Look, who is that person?
  • Analysis: A straightforward example of “那个” used to point out a person at a distance.
• Example 2: (As a pronoun)
  • 我不喜欢这个，我想要那个。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège, wǒ xiǎng yào nàge.
  • English: I don't like this one, I want that one.
  • Analysis: A classic use case, directly contrasting “this one” (这个, zhège) with “that one” (那个, nàge).
• Example 3: (As a pronoun before a noun)
  • 那个饭馆的菜很好吃。
  • Pinyin: Nàge fànguǎn de cài hěn hǎo chī.
  • English: That restaurant's food is delicious.
  • Analysis: Here, “那个” acts as an adjective, specifying “that” particular restaurant.
• Example 4: (As a filler word at the beginning of a thought)
  • 那个……我想问你一个问题。
  • Pinyin: Nèige… wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ yī gè wèntí.
  • English: Um… I want to ask you a question.
  • Analysis: The speaker uses “nèige” to initiate a sentence while hesitating slightly, perhaps out of politeness or nervousness.
• Example 5: (As a filler word in the middle of a thought)
  • 我昨天去见了我的… 那个… 大学同学。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuótiān qù jiànle wǒ de… nèige… dàxué tóngxué.
  • English: Yesterday I went to see my… uh… college classmate.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of pausing mid-sentence to recall a specific term. This is an extremely common pattern.
• Example 6: (As a filler word while searching for an object)
  • 你能帮我拿一下那个吗？就是，那个，桌子上的充电宝。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ná yīxià nàge ma? Jiùshì, nàge, zhuōzi shàng de chōngdiànbǎo.
  • English: Can you grab me that thing? You know, the, uh, power bank on the table.
  • Analysis: The speaker uses “那个” twice: first as a vague “that thing,” and again as a filler while specifying what “that thing” is.
• Example 7: (As a filler to structure a complex thought)
  • 这个计划的问题在于，那个，我们的预算不够。
  • Pinyin: Zhège jìhuà de wèntí zàiyú, nèige, wǒmen de yùsuàn bùgòu.
  • English: The problem with this plan is, you know, our budget isn't sufficient.
  • Analysis: Here, “nèige” functions like “you know” or “the thing is” to preface the main point.
• Example 8: (As a filler to soften a statement)
  • 我觉得你的想法，那个，可能不太现实。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juéde nǐ de xiǎngfǎ, nèige, kěnéng bù tài xiànshí.
  • English: I feel like your idea, well, might not be very realistic.
  • Analysis: The pause created by “nèige” softens the directness of the criticism, making it sound less confrontational.
• Example 9: (Referring to a previously mentioned topic)
  • 我们上次说的那个事，你考虑得怎么样了？
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen shàng cì shuō de nàge shì, nǐ kǎolǜ dé zěnmeyàng le?
  • English: That matter we talked about last time, how is your consideration of it coming along?
  • Analysis: “那个” is used here to mean “that” specific, mutually understood topic without needing to name it again.
• Example 10: (Implying something sensitive or taboo)
  • 他最近身体不好，因为得了那个病。
  • Pinyin: Tā zuìjìn shēntǐ bù hǎo, yīnwèi déle nàge bìng.
  • English: He hasn't been well recently because he got… that illness.
  • Analysis: A very nuanced use. “那个” is used to refer to a serious or sensitive illness (like cancer or a mental health issue) that the speaker prefers not to name directly. The listener is expected to understand from context.

For many English speakers, the first time they hear “那个” used as a filler word (pronounced “nèige”), it can be jarring because it sounds phonetically similar to a racial slur in English. It is critically important to understand the following:

• There is absolutely zero connection in meaning, history, origin, or intent. The similarity is a complete and unfortunate linguistic coincidence.
• Native Chinese speakers are, in the vast majority of cases, completely unaware of this phonetic overlap. The word carries no negative or racial connotation whatsoever in any form of Chinese.
• Using “nèige” as a filler word in China is as normal and unremarkable as an English speaker saying “um.” You will not offend anyone.

As a learner, it is a hurdle you must overcome. Avoiding the word is impractical, as it's a core part of the spoken language. The best approach is to understand its true function, desensitize yourself to the sound through listening practice, and use it appropriately.

While native speakers use “那个” frequently, a beginner who uses it in every sentence can sound overly hesitant and lacking in confidence. When you are just starting, it is often better to use a short, silent pause to think rather than relying on “那个” as a crutch.

This is a simple but common mistake for beginners. The distinction is about proximity to the speaker.

• 那个 (nàge): That (far from you)
• 这个 (zhège): This (near you)
• Incorrect Usage: You are holding an apple and say: 我想吃那个苹果 (Wǒ xiǎng chī nàge píngguǒ).
• Why it's wrong: Since the apple is near you (in your hand), you should use “this.”
• Correct Usage: 我想吃这个苹果 (Wǒ xiǎng chī zhège píngguǒ).

• 这个 (zhège) - The direct counterpart to `那个`, meaning “this one” or “this.” Used for things close to the speaker.
• 哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) - The question word “which one?”, used to ask for a choice between options.
• 那 (nà) - The base character for “that.” Can be used more formally or in writing without the measure word `个`.
• 个 (ge) - The all-purpose measure word. Understanding how to use it is fundamental to Chinese grammar.
• 然后 (ránhòu) - “And then,” “afterwards.” A common transitional word that can also be used as a brief filler while structuring a story or sequence of events.
• 就是 (jiùshì) - Literally “it is,” but often used as a filler phrase like “that is to say,” “like,” or “I mean” to clarify or elaborate on a point.
• 什么 (shénme) - Means “what,” but can be mumbled (e.g., “shénme de”) as a filler to mean “or something,” “and what not.”