In Japanese, the English word "it" is expressed through a system of demonstrative pronouns that indicate physical or psychological distance from the speaker and listener. The three primary words are これ (kore), それ (sore), and あれ (are), each carrying specific spatial and contextual meanings that English speakers must learn to navigate.
For complete course index and additional lessons, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
FAQ Schema Question: What does "it" mean in Japanese? Answer: In Japanese, "it" is expressed through three demonstrative pronouns: これ (kore) for objects near the speaker, それ (sore) for objects near the listener, and あれ (are) for objects distant from both speaker and listener. Unlike English, Japanese requires speakers to specify relative distance when referring to objects.
How This Topic Will Be Used This lesson presents 15 varied examples of Japanese demonstrative pronouns in natural contexts, progressing from simple identification to more complex conversational usage. Students will encounter these pronouns in different sentence positions and grammatical functions, building intuitive understanding through exposure to authentic patterns.
Educational Schema -
Subject: Japanese Language Learning -
Level: Beginner to Intermediate -
Topic: Demonstrative Pronouns (それ・これ・あれ) -
Learning Type: Self-Study Reading Lesson -
Publisher: Latinum Institute -
Educational Alignment: JLPT N5-N4 Grammar
Key Takeaways -
Japanese distinguishes three levels of distance where English uses only "it" -
これ (kore) refers to objects near the speaker -
それ (sore) refers to objects near the listener -
あれ (are) refers to objects far from both speaker and listener -
Context and physical positioning determine which pronoun to use
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.1 これ this (ko-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] 私 I (wa-ta-shi) の (no) [possessive] 本 book (hon) です is (de-su)
10.2 それ that (so-re) を (wo) [object-marker] 見せて show (mi-se-te) ください please (ku-da-sa-i)
10.3 あれ that-over-there (a-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] 何 what (na-ni) ですか is-[question] (de-su-ka)
10.4 母 mother (ha-ha) は (wa) [topic-marker] これ this (ko-re) が (ga) [subject-marker] 好き like (su-ki) です is (de-su)
10.5 それ that (so-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] いくら how-much (i-ku-ra) ですか is-[question] (de-su-ka)
10.6 先生 teacher (sen-sei) は (wa) [topic-marker] あれ that (a-re) を (wo) [object-marker] 説明 explanation (se-tsu-mei) しました did (shi-ma-shi-ta)
10.7 これ this (ko-re) から from (ka-ra) 勉強 study (ben-kyō) を (wo) [object-marker] 始めます will-begin (ha-ji-me-ma-su)
10.8 それ that (so-re) より than (yo-ri) これ this (ko-re) の (no) [possessive] ほう side (hō) が (ga) [subject-marker] いい good (i-i) です is (de-su)
10.9 友達 friend (to-mo-da-chi) は (wa) [topic-marker] あれ that (a-re) を (wo) [object-marker] 買いました bought (ka-i-ma-shi-ta)
10.10 これ this (ko-re) と (to) and それ that (so-re) の (no) [possessive] 違い difference (chi-ga-i) は (wa) [topic-marker] 何 what (nan/na-ni) ですか is-[question] (de-su-ka)
10.11 あの that (a-no) 建物 building (ta-te-mo-no) は (wa) [topic-marker] 図書館 library (to-sho-kan) です is (de-su) Note: あの (a-no) is the adjectival form of あれ (a-re)
10.12 それ that (so-re) で with-that (de) いい good (i-i) ですよ is-[emphasis] (de-su-yo)
10.13 昨日 yesterday (ki-nō) これ this (ko-re) を (wo) [object-marker] もらいました received (mo-ra-i-ma-shi-ta)
10.14 あれ that (a-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] 私 I (wa-ta-shi) の (no) [possessive] では not (de-wa) ありません is-not (a-ri-ma-sen)
10.15 これ this (ko-re) こそ exactly (ko-so) 探して searching (sa-ga-shi-te) いた was (i-ta) もの thing (mo-no) です is (de-su)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.1 これは私の本です。 This is my book.
10.2 それを見せてください。 Please show me that.
10.3 あれは何ですか。 What is that over there?
10.4 母はこれが好きです。 My mother likes this.
10.5 それはいくらですか。 How much is that?
10.6 先生はあれを説明しました。 The teacher explained that.
10.7 これから勉強を始めます。 I will begin studying from now. (Literally: from this)
10.8 それよりこれのほうがいいです。 This is better than that.
10.9 友達はあれを買いました。 My friend bought that.
10.10 これとそれの違いは何ですか。 What is the difference between this and that?
10.11 あの建物は図書館です。 That building is a library.
10.12 それでいいですよ。 That's fine.
10.13 昨日これをもらいました。 I received this yesterday.
10.14 あれは私のではありません。 That is not mine.
10.15 これこそ探していたものです。 This is exactly what I was looking for.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.1 これは私の本です。
10.2 それを見せてください。
10.3 あれは何ですか。
10.4 母はこれが好きです。
10.5 それはいくらですか。
10.6 先生はあれを説明しました。
10.7 これから勉強を始めます。
10.8 それよりこれのほうがいいです。
10.9 友達はあれを買いました。
10.10 これとそれの違いは何ですか。
10.11 あの建物は図書館です。
10.12 それでいいですよ。
10.13 昨日これをもらいました。
10.14 あれは私のではありません。
10.15 これこそ探していたものです。
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Japanese demonstrative pronouns follow a three-way distinction based on physical or psychological distance, unlike English which primarily uses "it" regardless of distance.
The Ko-So-A-Do System
Japanese demonstratives follow a systematic pattern: -
こ (ko-) series: near the speaker -
そ (so-) series: near the listener -
あ (a-) series: far from both -
ど (do-) series: interrogative (which/what)
Pronoun Forms
Independent pronouns (used as "it"): -
これ (kore) - this one -
それ (sore) - that one (near you) -
あれ (are) - that one (over there) -
どれ (dore) - which one?
Adjectival forms (modify nouns): -
この (kono) - this [noun] -
その (sono) - that [noun] (near you) -
あの (ano) - that [noun] (over there) -
どの (dono) - which [noun]?
Location demonstratives: -
ここ (koko) - here -
そこ (soko) - there (near you) -
あそこ (asoko) - over there -
どこ (doko) - where?
Common Mistakes -
Using これ (kore) for everything near: English speakers often overuse これ because English "this" doesn't distinguish listener proximity. -
Confusing pronoun and adjectival forms: これ本 (kore hon) is incorrect; use この本 (kono hon) for "this book." -
Forgetting spatial relationships in conversation: When pointing to something near the listener, use それ (sore), not これ (kore). -
Misunderstanding psychological distance: あれ (are) can indicate temporal distance (past events) or emotional distance, not just physical distance. -
Direct translation errors: "It is raining" uses no demonstrative in Japanese (雨が降っています ame ga futte imasu), unlike the English "it."
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Demonstrative
Step 1: Identify the object's location -
Is it near you (the speaker)? → Use こ- series -
Is it near the listener? → Use そ- series -
Is it far from both? → Use あ- series
Step 2: Determine the grammatical function -
Standing alone as "it"? → Use これ/それ/あれ -
Modifying a noun? → Use この/その/あの -
Indicating location? → Use ここ/そこ/あそこ
Step 3: Consider context -
Physical objects follow spatial rules strictly -
Abstract concepts may use psychological distance -
Past events often use あれ regardless of original proximity
Comparison with English
English "it" is distance-neutral, while Japanese requires distance specification: -
English: "It is beautiful" (no distance indicated) -
Japanese: これはきれいです/それはきれいです/あれはきれいです (distance must be specified)
English "this/that" partially overlaps with Japanese but lacks the middle distance: -
English: this (near) / that (far) -
Japanese: これ (near speaker) / それ (near listener) / あれ (far from both)
Grammatical Summary
The demonstrative system in Japanese is regular and predictable:
Pronouns (standalone): -
これ (kore) - this thing -
それ (sore) - that thing (near you) -
あれ (are) - that thing (distant)
Pre-noun modifiers: -
この + noun (kono + noun) -
その + noun (sono + noun) -
あの + noun (ano + noun)
With particles: -
これは (kore wa) - as for this -
それを (sore wo) - that (object) -
あれが (are ga) - that (subject)
Special uses: -
これから (kore kara) - from now on -
それで (sore de) - therefore/with that -
あれこれ (are kore) - this and that/various things
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Japanese demonstrative system reflects deep cultural values about spatial relationships and social awareness. This three-way distinction (ko-so-a) embodies the Japanese cultural emphasis on understanding one's position relative to others, a concept fundamental to Japanese social interaction.
Territory and Personal Space
In Japanese culture, the concept of 縄張り (nawabari, territory) extends to conversational space. When using demonstratives, speakers acknowledge whose "territory" an object occupies. Using それ (sore) for something near the listener shows respect for their personal space and awareness of their position—a subtle but important aspect of Japanese politeness.
Psychological Distance and Tatemae
The demonstrative system also maps onto emotional and social distance. あれ (are) can create psychological distance, useful in maintaining 建前 (tatemae, public facade). For instance, when discussing an uncomfortable topic, speakers might use あれ to psychologically distance themselves, even if the topic is metaphorically "close."
Shared Experience and Uchi-Soto
The ko-so-a system reinforces the 内外 (uchi-soto, inside-outside) distinction central to Japanese society. これ (kore) often indicates something within the speaker's uchi (inner circle), while あれ (are) can mark something as soto (outside). In family conversations, shared objects might be referred to as これ even when physically distant, emphasizing emotional closeness.
Contextual Flexibility
Japanese speakers fluidly adjust demonstrative usage based on social context. In formal situations, speakers might use それ more frequently to maintain respectful distance, while intimate conversations see more これ usage, drawing things into shared space. This flexibility demonstrates the Japanese value of 空気を読む (kuuki wo yomu, reading the atmosphere).
Historical Development
The ko-so-a system developed from Old Japanese, where spatial deixis was already sophisticated. This grammatical precision reflects Japan's historical emphasis on social hierarchy and positional awareness, values that emerged in court culture and spread throughout society.
Modern Usage Shifts
Contemporary Japanese, influenced by digital communication, sometimes blurs traditional demonstrative boundaries. In text messages, これ might refer to something in a previous message, treating the conversation itself as a shared space. This evolution shows how traditional concepts adapt to new communication modes while maintaining core spatial awareness principles.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From "Kokoro" (こころ) by Natsume Soseki (夏目漱石), 1914:
それ that (so-re) から from (ka-ra) 私 I (wa-ta-shi) は (wa) [topic-marker] あの that (a-no) 人 person (hi-to) を (wo) [object-marker] これ this (ko-re) 以上 more-than (i-jō) 近づけ approach (chi-ka-zu-ke) まい will-not (ma-i) と (to) [quotation] 決心 determination (ke-sshin) しました did (shi-ma-shi-ta)。 あの that (a-no) 人 person (hi-to) が (ga) [subject-marker] それ that (so-re) を (wo) [object-marker] 希望 hope (ki-bō) して doing (shi-te) いない is-not (i-na-i) 事 fact (ko-to) も (mo) also よく well (yo-ku) 解りました understood (wa-ka-ri-ma-shi-ta)。
それから私はあの人をこれ以上近づけまいと決心しました。あの人がそれを希望していない事もよく解りました。
"After that, I resolved not to let that person come any closer than this. I also understood well that that person did not wish for it."
それから私はあの人をこれ以上近づけまいと決心しました。あの人がそれを希望していない事もよく解りました。
This passage masterfully demonstrates the Japanese demonstrative system's capacity for emotional nuance. Soseki uses demonstratives to create psychological landscape:
それから (sore kara) - "after that" - refers to previously mentioned events, using そ-series to maintain narrative distance from painful memories.
あの人 (ano hito) - "that person" - The repeated use of あの creates emotional distance, suggesting the narrator's desire to push this person away psychologically. In Japanese literature, あの often indicates something that exists in memory or emotional remoteness.
これ以上 (kore ijō) - "more than this" - Uses こ-series to establish the current emotional boundary as the speaker's reference point, the line that must not be crossed.
それを希望 (sore wo kibō) - "hope for that" - The それ refers to the abstract concept of closeness, treating it as something in the conversational middle distance, neither fully acknowledged nor completely distant.
This passage exemplifies how Japanese demonstratives operate beyond simple spatial reference. They become tools for emotional mapping, creating a geography of human relationships where physical and psychological distance intertwine. Soseki's careful demonstrative choices reveal the narrator's internal struggle between connection and isolation, making the grammatical structure itself part of the story's emotional architecture.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.16 いらっしゃいませ welcome (i-ra-sshai-ma-se)。 これ this (ko-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] いかが how (i-ka-ga) ですか is-[question] (de-su-ka)。
10.17 それ that (so-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] ちょっと a-little (cho-tto) 高い expensive (ta-ka-i) ですね is-[agreement] (de-su-ne)。
10.18 あれ that (a-re) を (wo) [object-marker] 見せて show (mi-se-te) いただけません could-not (i-ta-da-ke-ma-sen) か [question] (ka)。
10.19 これ this (ko-re) と (to) and これ this (ko-re) を (wo) [object-marker] ください please-give (ku-da-sa-i)。
10.20 それ that (so-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] 新しい new (a-ta-ra-shi-i) 商品 product (shō-hin) です is (de-su) よ [emphasis] (yo)。
10.21 あの that (a-no) 青い blue (a-o-i) の one (no) は (wa) [topic-marker] ありません don't-have (a-ri-ma-sen) か [question] (ka)。
10.22 これ this (ko-re) で with (de) 全部 all (zen-bu) です is (de-su) か [question] (ka)。
10.23 それ that (so-re) なら if-so (na-ra) 、 [comma] 割引 discount (wa-ri-bi-ki) できます can-do (de-ki-ma-su)。
10.24 あれ that (a-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] 売り切れ sold-out (u-ri-ki-re) です is (de-su)。
10.25 これ this (ko-re) より than (yo-ri) 小さい small (chi-i-sa-i) の one (no) は (wa) [topic-marker] ありません don't-exist (a-ri-ma-sen) か [question] (ka)。
10.26 それ that (so-re) を (wo) [object-marker] 包んで wrap (tsu-tsu-n-de) ください please (ku-da-sa-i)。
10.27 あの that (a-no) 赤い red (a-ka-i) 帽子 hat (bō-shi) は (wa) [topic-marker] おいくら how-much (o-i-ku-ra) ですか is-[question] (de-su-ka)。
10.28 これ this (ko-re) は (wa) [topic-marker] 日本製 Japan-made (ni-hon-sei) ですか is-[question] (de-su-ka)。
10.29 それ that (so-re) じゃ well-then (ja) 、 [comma] これ this (ko-re) に (ni) [target] します will-do (shi-ma-su)。
10.30 あれ that (a-re) と (to) and 同じ same (o-na-ji) もの thing (mo-no) が (ga) [subject-marker] 欲しい want (ho-shi-i) です is (de-su)。
10.16 いらっしゃいませ。これはいかがですか。 Welcome. How about this?
10.17 それはちょっと高いですね。 That's a bit expensive.
10.18 あれを見せていただけませんか。 Could you show me that over there?
10.19 これとこれをください。 Please give me this and this.
10.20 それは新しい商品ですよ。 That's a new product.
10.21 あの青いのはありませんか。 Don't you have that blue one?
10.22 これで全部ですか。 Is this all?
10.23 それなら、割引できます。 In that case, I can give you a discount.
10.24 あれは売り切れです。 That one is sold out.
10.25 これより小さいのはありませんか。 Don't you have one smaller than this?
10.26 それを包んでください。 Please wrap that.
10.27 あの赤い帽子はおいくらですか。 How much is that red hat?
10.28 これは日本製ですか。 Is this made in Japan?
10.29 それじゃ、これにします。 Well then, I'll take this.
10.30 あれと同じものが欲しいです。 I want the same thing as that.
10.16 いらっしゃいませ。これはいかがですか。
10.17 それはちょっと高いですね。
10.18 あれを見せていただけませんか。
10.19 これとこれをください。
10.20 それは新しい商品ですよ。
10.21 あの青いのはありませんか。
10.22 これで全部ですか。
10.23 それなら、割引できます。
10.24 あれは売り切れです。
10.25 これより小さいのはありませんか。
10.26 それを包んでください。
10.27 あの赤い帽子はおいくらですか。
10.28 これは日本製ですか。
10.29 それじゃ、これにします。
10.30 あれと同じものが欲しいです。
Demonstratives in Commercial Settings
In Japanese shopping contexts, demonstrative usage follows specific patterns that reflect both spatial relationships and social dynamics between customer and clerk.
Spatial Dynamics in Shops
Shop clerks typically use これ (kore) when presenting items to customers, bringing products into their immediate space. Customers use それ (sore) to refer to items in the clerk's hands or immediate area, maintaining polite distance. Items on distant shelves or in display cases require あれ (are).
The の Nominalizer
In shopping, demonstratives often combine with の to create pronoun phrases: -
あの青いの (ano aoi no) - "that blue one" -
これより小さいの (kore yori chiisai no) - "one smaller than this"
This construction allows speakers to avoid repeating the noun, making conversation more efficient.
Politeness Levels and Demonstratives
Shopping interactions show how politeness affects demonstrative choice: -
Clerks use これ with いかが (ikaga) for gentle suggestions -
Customers use それ to maintain respectful distance from clerk's space -
Both parties use あれ for shared reference to distant items
Set Phrases in Shopping
Common shopping expressions with demonstratives: -
これください (kore kudasai) - "I'll take this" -
それでいいです (sore de ii desu) - "That's fine" -
あれと同じ (are to onaji) - "the same as that" -
これにします (kore ni shimasu) - "I'll decide on this"
Comparison and Selection
Shopping involves comparing items, creating specific demonstrative patterns: -
これとこれ (kore to kore) - selecting multiple nearby items -
それより (sore yori) - comparison with "than that" -
あれと同じ (are to onaji) - requesting duplicates of distant items
Transaction Completion
Demonstratives mark transaction stages: -
Initial browsing: これはいかがですか (How about this?) -
Selection process: それを見せてください (Please show me that) -
Final decision: これにします (I'll take this) -
Wrapping stage: それを包んでください (Please wrap that)
This systematic use of demonstratives helps structure the shopping interaction, creating clear communication while maintaining appropriate social distance between customer and service provider.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Latinum Institute has been pioneering online language learning since 2006, developing innovative methods that combine traditional philological approaches with modern pedagogical insights. These Japanese lessons for English speakers represent our latest advancement in structured language acquisition for autodidacts.
The Construed Text Method
Our lessons employ the construed text method, breaking down authentic Japanese texts into granular, interlinear glosses. This approach, refined over nearly two decades, allows learners to see exact word-for-word correspondences while gradually building pattern recognition. Unlike conventional textbooks that present simplified or artificial language, we use real Japanese from literature, daily conversation, and various genres.
Lesson Structure and Progression
Each lesson follows a systematic structure: -
Introduction with linguistic and cultural context -
Detailed interlinear glossing (Section A) for vocabulary building -
Complete sentences (Section B) for syntactic patterns -
Pure target language (Section C) for immersion -
Comprehensive grammar explanations designed for English speakers (Section D) -
Cultural insights that illuminate language use (Section E) -
Authentic literary excerpts with analysis (Section F) -
Genre-specific sections for practical application
This structure, developed through years of online teaching experience, provides multiple exposures to target structures while building from recognition to production skills.
Designed for Autodidacts
Understanding that our learners are self-motivated and often studying independently, we've crafted these lessons to be completely self-contained. Every grammatical point is explained, every cultural reference is contextualized, and common errors are anticipated and addressed. The lessons assume no prior knowledge beyond basic English literacy, yet they don't patronize advanced learners who can move quickly through familiar material.
Integration of Classical and Modern Approaches
The Latinum Institute's background in classical language pedagogy informs our modern language courses. We emphasize systematic grammar, careful attention to morphology, and deep reading of authentic texts—approaches proven effective over centuries of language teaching. These traditional methods are enhanced with insights from contemporary second language acquisition research and formatted for digital, self-paced learning.
Community and Support
While designed for independent study, these lessons are part of a larger learning community. The Latinum Institute maintains active forums, provides additional resources, and continuously updates materials based on learner feedback. Our reputation, reflected in reviews on platforms like Trustpilot (https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk), stems from this commitment to supporting autodidacts throughout their language learning journey.
For more information about our methodology and complete course offerings, visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/method and https://latinum.org.uk
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---