zhège: 这个 - This, This one

• Keywords: zhege, 这个, zhe ge, Chinese for this, how to say this in Chinese, demonstrative pronoun Chinese, 这个 vs 那个, measure words in Chinese, using ge in Chinese, HSK 1 vocabulary, Chinese grammar for beginners.
• Summary: Learn how to use “这个” (zhège), one of the most fundamental words in Mandarin Chinese. This entry breaks down its meaning as “this” or “this one,” explaining its structure as a demonstrative pronoun (这, zhè) combined with the universal measure word (个, ge). Essential for HSK 1 and daily conversation, understanding “这个” is a key step to pointing, asking, and talking about the world around you in Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhège
• Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: A pronoun used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand; “this” or “this one.”
• In a Nutshell: “这个” (zhège) is the word you use when pointing to something or someone near you. It's the default, all-purpose way to say “this thing.” It's formed by combining “这” (zhè), meaning “this,” with “个” (ge), the most common measure word in Chinese. Think of it as a verbal pointer, essential for everything from shopping to introducing a friend.

• 这 (zhè): This character means “this.” It is composed of the 辶 (chuò) radical on the bottom, which is related to walking or movement, indicating a location. It points to something in the immediate vicinity of the speaker.
• 个 (ge): This is the single most common measure word (or classifier) in the Chinese language. It's a general-purpose counter for people and a vast number of objects. Think of it as “an item,” “a unit,” or simply a placeholder when a more specific measure word isn't needed.

When combined, 这个 (zhège) literally translates to “this unit” or “this item,” which functions perfectly as the English “this” or “this one.”

While “这个” doesn't carry deep philosophical weight like terms such as 关系 (guānxi), its usage reveals a key aspect of Chinese grammar and thought: specificity and classification. In English, we can say “I want this.” In Chinese, the structure often requires specifying the “unit” you are referring to. Using “这个” (zhège) is the most common way to do this. This reflects a language structure that often prefers to classify nouns. A beginner who masters “这个” is not just learning a word; they are internalizing one of the core grammatical patterns of the language. Culturally, “这个” also functions as a common filler word, much like “um,” “uh,” or “like” in English. When a speaker is hesitating or gathering their thoughts, they might say “这个… 这个…” (zhège… zhège…). This is an authentic conversational tic that makes your spoken Chinese sound much more natural. It's a sign of real-time thought processing, not just reciting memorized phrases.

“这个” is ubiquitous in daily spoken Mandarin. Its usage can be categorized into a few key areas.

This is the most common use, especially in situations like shopping, ordering food, or simply talking about things in your environment.

• At a market: “这个多少钱?” (How much is this one?)
• At a restaurant: “我要这个。” (I want this one.)

It is commonly used to introduce people or point them out in an informal context.

• Introducing a friend: “这个是我的同事，王先生。” (This is my colleague, Mr. Wang.)
• Pointing someone out in a photo: “这个是我。” (This one is me.)

“这个” can also refer to situations, ideas, problems, or suggestions that have just been mentioned.

• Discussing a plan: “我觉得这个主意不错。” (I think this idea is not bad.)
• Talking about a situation: “这个问题有点儿复杂。” (This problem is a bit complicated.)

When hesitating, “这个” is used to buy time while thinking of what to say next. It's informal and very common in conversation.

• “你周末想做什么？” (What do you want to do this weekend?)
• “嗯… 这个… 我还没想好。” (Umm… uh… I haven't decided yet.)

Example 1: 这个多少钱？ Pinyin: Zhège duōshǎo qián? English: How much is this? Analysis: The most classic and essential phrase for any beginner shopping in China. “这个” here refers to a specific item you are pointing at. Example 2: 这个汉字怎么读？ Pinyin: Zhège hànzì zěnme dú? English: How do you read this Chinese character? Analysis: Here, “这个” modifies the noun “汉字” (hànzì). This structure, `这个 + Noun`, is extremely common and means “this [noun]”. Example 3: 我不喜欢这个。 Pinyin: Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège. English: I don't like this one. Analysis: “这个” functions as the direct object of the verb “喜欢” (xǐhuān). It's a simple way to express preference. Example 4: 这个是我的朋友，李华。 Pinyin: Zhège shì wǒ de péngyǒu, Lǐ Huà. English: This is my friend, Li Hua. Analysis: A standard, informal way to introduce someone. Using “这位” (zhè wèi) would be more formal. Example 5: 这个很好吃！ Pinyin: Zhège hěn hǎochī! English: This is delicious! Analysis: A simple and effective way to compliment food. “这个” acts as the subject of the sentence. Example 6: 你把这个放在桌子上。 Pinyin: Nǐ bǎ zhège fàng zài zhuōzi shàng. English: Put this on the table. Analysis: This example shows “这个” used in a “把” (bǎ) construction, a common sentence pattern in Chinese for showing disposal of an object. Example 7: 这个问题我们明天再讨论吧。 Pinyin: Zhège wèntí wǒmen míngtiān zài tǎolùn ba. English: Let's discuss this problem again tomorrow. Analysis: Demonstrates “这个” used to refer to an abstract concept (“问题,” wèntí - problem). Example 8: 我要买两个，一个这个，一个那个。 Pinyin: Wǒ yào mǎi liǎng gè, yīgè zhège, yīgè nàge. English: I want to buy two; one of this, and one of that. Analysis: Shows the direct contrast between “这个” (this one) and “那个” (nàge - that one). Example 9: 我下午的计划是… 嗯… 这个… 先去银行，然后去超市。 Pinyin: Wǒ xiàwǔ de jìhuà shì… ǹg… zhège… xiān qù yínháng, ránhòu qù chāoshì. English: My plan for the afternoon is… um… uh… first go to the bank, then go to the supermarket. Analysis: A perfect example of “这个” being used as a conversational filler word while the speaker organizes their thoughts. Example 10: 你说的这个我完全同意。 Pinyin: Nǐ shuō de zhège wǒ wánquán tóngyì. English: I completely agree with this (thing you said). Analysis: “这个” here refers back to something the other person has just said, showing its utility in referring to conceptual, not just physical, things.

• Forgetting the Measure Word: A very common mistake for beginners is to directly translate from English and say “我喜欢这书” (Wǒ xǐhuān zhè shū). This is grammatically incomplete. You must include a measure word. While “这本书” (zhè běn shū) is most correct, “这个书” (zhège shū) is colloquially acceptable and a safe bet if you don't know the specific measure word. The key is not to omit the classifier entirely.
• Confusing `这 (zhè)` and `这个 (zhège)`:
  • `这 (zhè)` means “this” and is often used in the formal structure `这 + 是 + Noun`. (e.g., 这是我的家 - Zhè shì wǒ de jiā - This is my home).
  • `这个 (zhège)` means “this one” and is more colloquial. It can stand alone as a subject or object (e.g., 这个是我的 - Zhège shì wǒ de - This one is mine). While you can say “这个是我的家,” it's slightly more informal, as if pointing it out from a selection of houses.
• Overusing `个 (ge)`: While `个 (ge)` is the general-purpose measure word, it is not always the most appropriate one. As you advance, you'll learn specific measure words like `本 (běn)` for books, `只 (zhī)` for many animals, and `张 (zhāng)` for flat objects. Using “这个书” is understandable, but using “这本书” (zhè běn shū) is more accurate and sounds more educated. However, when in doubt, “这个” is almost always understood.

• 那个 (nàge) - The direct antonym of “这个,” meaning “that” or “that one.”
• 这些 (zhèxiē) - The plural form, meaning “these.”
• 那些 (nàxiē) - The plural antonym, meaning “those.”
• 这儿 (zhèr) / 这里 (zhèlǐ) - Related words meaning “here” or “this place.”
• 哪 (nǎ) - The question word “which.” It combines with `个` to form 哪个 (nǎge), meaning “which one?”
• 什么 (shénme) - The question word “what.” Often used in the phrase “这个是什么?” (Zhège shì shénme? - What is this?).
• 个 (ge) - The general measure word itself, the foundation of many counters in Chinese.
• 这 (zhè) - The single character for “this,” which forms the basis of “这个,” “这些,” and “这里.”