In this lesson, we will explore how to express "that" in Japanese. Unlike English, which uses one word "that" for multiple functions, Japanese employs different words depending on the physical or psychological distance from the speaker and listener, and whether it functions as a demonstrative adjective or pronoun.
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Definition: In Japanese, "that" is expressed through several demonstrative words: -
その (sono) - that + noun (near the listener) -
あの (ano) - that + noun (far from both speaker and listener) -
それ (sore) - that thing/that one (near the listener) -
あれ (are) - that thing/that one (far from both)
Additionally, when "that" functions as a relative pronoun or conjunction (as in "the book that I read" or "I think that..."), Japanese uses different grammatical structures.
Question: What does "that" mean in Japanese? Answer: "That" in Japanese is expressed through multiple words depending on context and distance. その (sono) and それ (sore) refer to things near the listener, while あの (ano) and あれ (are) refer to things far from both speaker and listener. The -の forms modify nouns, while the -れ forms stand alone as pronouns.
Type: Language Learning Material Subject: Japanese Language Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Demonstratives - "that" in Japanese Format: Self-study Reading Lesson Target Audience: English-speaking autodidacts learning Japanese
In this lesson, you will encounter "that" used in various contexts: -
As a demonstrative adjective (その本 - that book) -
As a demonstrative pronoun (それ - that one) -
In subordinate clauses (私が読んだ本 - the book that I read) -
In reported speech (〜と思います - I think that...)
-
Japanese has multiple words for "that" based on spatial relationships -
その/それ indicates something near the listener -
あの/あれ indicates something far from both speaker and listener -
Context and distance determine which form to use -
"That" as a conjunction is expressed differently than as a demonstrative
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13.1 その 本 は 面白い です sono (so-no) that hon (hon) book wa (wa) [topic-marker] omoshiroi (o-mo-shi-ro-i) interesting desu (de-su) is
13.2 あの 人 を 知って います か ano (a-no) that hito (hi-to) person o (o) [object-marker] shitte (shit-te) knowing imasu (i-ma-su) am ka (ka) [question]
13.3 それ は 私 の です sore (so-re) that wa (wa) [topic-marker] watashi (wa-ta-shi) I no (no) [possessive] desu (de-su) is
13.4 昨日 買った 本 を 読みました kinō (ki-nō) yesterday katta (kat-ta) bought hon (hon) book o (o) [object-marker] yomimashita (yo-mi-ma-shi-ta) read
13.5 彼 は 来る と 言いました kare (ka-re) he wa (wa) [topic-marker] kuru (ku-ru) come to (to) [quotation] iimashita (i-i-ma-shi-ta) said
13.6 あれ が 富士山 です are (a-re) that ga (ga) [subject-marker] Fuji-san (Fu-ji-san) Mt-Fuji desu (de-su) is
13.7 その 話 を 聞いて ください sono (so-no) that hanashi (ha-na-shi) story o (o) [object-marker] kiite (ki-i-te) listening kudasai (ku-da-sa-i) please
13.8 彼女 が 作った ケーキ は 美味しかった kanojo (ka-no-jo) she ga (ga) [subject-marker] tsukutta (tsu-kut-ta) made kēki (kē-ki) cake wa (wa) [topic-marker] oishikatta (o-i-shi-kat-ta) was-delicious
13.9 あの 時 は 楽しかった ano (a-no) that toki (to-ki) time wa (wa) [topic-marker] tanoshikatta (ta-no-shi-kat-ta) was-fun
13.10 それ を 取って ください sore (so-re) that o (o) [object-marker] totte (tot-te) taking kudasai (ku-da-sa-i) please
13.11 明日 雨 が 降る と 思います ashita (a-shi-ta) tomorrow ame (a-me) rain ga (ga) [subject-marker] furu (fu-ru) fall to (to) [quotation] omoimasu (o-mo-i-ma-su) think
13.12 その レストラン で 食べましょう sono (so-no) that resutoran (re-su-to-ran) restaurant de (de) at tabemashou (ta-be-ma-shō) let's-eat
13.13 私 が 見た 映画 は 面白かった watashi (wa-ta-shi) I ga (ga) [subject-marker] mita (mi-ta) saw eiga (ei-ga) movie wa (wa) [topic-marker] omoshirokatta (o-mo-shi-ro-kat-ta) was-interesting
13.14 あの 建物 は 古い です ano (a-no) that tatemono (ta-te-mo-no) building wa (wa) [topic-marker] furui (fu-ru-i) old desu (de-su) is
13.15 それ は 難しい 問題 です ね sore (so-re) that wa (wa) [topic-marker] muzukashii (mu-zu-ka-shi-i) difficult mondai (mon-da-i) problem desu (de-su) is ne (ne) [agreement-particle]
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13.1 その本は面白いです。That book is interesting.
13.2 あの人を知っていますか。Do you know that person?
13.3 それは私のです。That is mine.
13.4 昨日買った本を読みました。I read the book that I bought yesterday.
13.5 彼は来ると言いました。He said that he would come.
13.6 あれが富士山です。That is Mt. Fuji.
13.7 その話を聞いてください。Please listen to that story.
13.8 彼女が作ったケーキは美味しかった。The cake that she made was delicious.
13.9 あの時は楽しかった。That time was fun.
13.10 それを取ってください。Please take that.
13.11 明日雨が降ると思います。I think that it will rain tomorrow.
13.12 そのレストランで食べましょう。Let's eat at that restaurant.
13.13 私が見た映画は面白かった。The movie that I saw was interesting.
13.14 あの建物は古いです。That building is old.
13.15 それは難しい問題ですね。That's a difficult problem, isn't it?
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13.1 その本は面白いです。
13.2 あの人を知っていますか。
13.3 それは私のです。
13.4 昨日買った本を読みました。
13.5 彼は来ると言いました。
13.6 あれが富士山です。
13.7 その話を聞いてください。
13.8 彼女が作ったケーキは美味しかった。
13.9 あの時は楽しかった。
13.10 それを取ってください。
13.11 明日雨が降ると思います。
13.12 そのレストランで食べましょう。
13.13 私が見た映画は面白かった。
13.14 あの建物は古いです。
13.15 それは難しい問題ですね。
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Japanese demonstratives follow a three-way distinction system based on physical and psychological distance:
Ko-So-A-Do System: -
こ (ko) series: near the speaker (this) -
そ (so) series: near the listener (that) -
あ (a) series: far from both (that over there) -
ど (do) series: interrogative (which)
Forms for "That": -
Demonstrative Adjectives (modify nouns): -
その (sono) + noun = that [noun] (near listener) -
あの (ano) + noun = that [noun] (far from both) -
Demonstrative Pronouns (stand alone): -
それ (sore) = that one/that thing (near listener) -
あれ (are) = that one/that thing (far from both) -
Relative Clauses (the book that...): -
Use plain form verb + noun -
Example: 読んだ本 (yonda hon) = the book that (I) read -
Quotative "That" (I think that...): -
Use と (to) particle after plain form -
Example: 雨が降ると思います = I think that it will rain
-
Using その when あの is needed: English speakers often use その for all instances of "that," but あの is required when the object is far from both speaker and listener. -
Forgetting the と particle: When expressing "that" in reported speech (He said that...), the と particle is essential after the quoted clause. -
Word order in relative clauses: Unlike English, Japanese places the modifying clause before the noun: -
Wrong: 本、私が読んだ (hon, watashi ga yonda) -
Correct: 私が読んだ本 (watashi ga yonda hon) -
Using それ/あれ with nouns: Remember that それ and あれ are pronouns and cannot directly modify nouns.
-
Is it modifying a noun or standing alone? -
Modifying a noun → use その or あの -
Standing alone → use それ or あれ -
Where is the object located? -
Near the listener → use そ- forms (その/それ) -
Far from both → use あ- forms (あの/あれ) -
Is it a relative clause? -
Place the modifying verb in plain past/present form before the noun -
No special word for "that" is needed -
Is it reported speech or thought? -
Use the quotative particle と after the clause
Demonstrative System: -
その (sono) - demonstrative adjective, near listener -
あの (ano) - demonstrative adjective, far from both -
それ (sore) - demonstrative pronoun, near listener -
あれ (are) - demonstrative pronoun, far from both
Usage Patterns: -
その/あの + Noun + Particle -
それ/あれ + Particle -
Verb (plain form) + Noun (for relative clauses) -
Clause + と + verb of saying/thinking
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The Japanese demonstrative system reflects important cultural concepts of space and social relationships. The distinction between その (near the listener) and あの (far from both) demonstrates the Japanese awareness of the listener's perspective and position, which aligns with the culture's emphasis on considering others' viewpoints.
In conversation, Japanese speakers carefully choose between その and あの based not only on physical distance but also on shared knowledge. When referring to something both speakers know about, あの is often used to indicate shared memory or experience, even if the referent isn't physically distant. This usage creates a sense of shared understanding and connection.
The demonstrative system also reflects the Japanese concept of "uchi" (inside) and "soto" (outside). Things associated with the speaker use こ-, things in the listener's sphere use そ-, and things outside both spheres use あ-. This mirrors broader Japanese social concepts of in-groups and out-groups.
In formal situations, speakers may use その rather than あの to maintain psychological distance and show respect, even when referring to distant objects. This subtle usage demonstrates how grammar intersects with social etiquette in Japanese culture.
Understanding these demonstratives is crucial for natural Japanese communication, as their proper use signals cultural awareness and sensitivity to interpersonal dynamics.
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From "Kokoro" by Natsume Sōseki (1914):
その 時 私 は まだ 若かった。 sono (so-no) that toki (to-ki) time watashi (wa-ta-shi) I wa (wa) [topic] mada (ma-da) still wakakatta (wa-ka-kat-ta) was-young
しかし 今 思えば、 shikashi (shi-ka-shi) however ima (i-ma) now omoeba (o-mo-e-ba) if-think
あの 夏 の 出来事 が ano (a-no) that natsu (na-tsu) summer no (no) [possessive] dekigoto (de-ki-go-to) incident ga (ga) [subject]
私 の 人生 を 変えた の だ。 watashi (wa-ta-shi) I no (no) [possessive] jinsei (jin-sei) life o (o) [object] kaeta (ka-e-ta) changed no (no) [nominalizer] da (da) is
その時私はまだ若かった。しかし今思えば、あの夏の出来事が私の人生を変えたのだ。
At that time I was still young. However, thinking about it now, that summer's incident changed my life.
その時私はまだ若かった。しかし今思えば、あの夏の出来事が私の人生を変えたのだ。
This passage demonstrates two key uses of demonstratives: -
その時 (sono toki) - "that time" uses その to refer to a previously mentioned time, creating narrative continuity. -
あの夏 (ano natsu) - "that summer" uses あの to indicate temporal and psychological distance, suggesting a significant past event now viewed from afar.
The contrast between その and あの shows Sōseki's masterful use of demonstratives to create psychological depth. その connects to the immediate narrative context, while あの emphasizes the distant, transformative nature of the memory.
The phrase 思えば (omoeba) "if (I) think" introduces reflection, and the のだ (no da) ending adds explanatory emphasis, common in Japanese literary introspection.
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13.16 その 提案 について 話し合いましょう sono (so-no) that teian (tei-an) proposal ni tsuite (ni tsu-i-te) about hanashiaimashou (ha-na-shi-a-i-ma-shō) let's-discuss
13.17 あの 会社 と の 契約 は どう なりました か ano (a-no) that kaisha (kai-sha) company to (to) with no (no) [possessive] keiyaku (kei-ya-ku) contract wa (wa) [topic] dō (dō) how narimashita (na-ri-ma-shi-ta) became ka (ka) [question]
13.18 それ は 良い アイデア です ね sore (so-re) that wa (wa) [topic] yoi (yo-i) good aidea (a-i-de-a) idea desu (de-su) is ne (ne) [agreement]
13.19 昨日 送った 資料 を 見て いただけました か kinō (ki-nō) yesterday okutta (o-kut-ta) sent shiryō (shi-ryō) materials o (o) [object] mite (mi-te) looking itadakemashita (i-ta-da-ke-ma-shi-ta) could-receive ka (ka) [question]
13.20 その 件 に 関して は 部長 に 確認 します sono (so-no) that ken (ken) matter ni kanshite (ni kan-shi-te) regarding wa (wa) [topic] buchō (bu-chō) department-manager ni (ni) to kakunin (ka-ku-nin) confirmation shimasu (shi-ma-su) do
13.21 あれ は 去年 の プロジェクト の 結果 です are (a-re) that wa (wa) [topic] kyonen (kyo-nen) last-year no (no) [possessive] purojekuto (pu-ro-je-ku-to) project no (no) [possessive] kekka (kek-ka) result desu (de-su) is
13.22 それでは その 方向 で 進めましょう soredewa (so-re-de-wa) well-then sono (so-no) that hōkō (hō-kō) direction de (de) in susumemashō (su-su-me-ma-shō) let's-proceed
13.23 田中さん が 提出した 報告書 は 素晴らしかった Tanaka-san (Ta-na-ka-san) Mr-Tanaka ga (ga) [subject] teishutsu shita (tei-shu-tsu shi-ta) submitted hōkokusho (hō-ko-ku-sho) report wa (wa) [topic] subarashikatta (su-ba-ra-shi-kat-ta) was-wonderful
13.24 その 問題 を 解決 する 必要 が あります sono (so-no) that mondai (mon-da-i) problem o (o) [object] kaiketsu suru (kai-ke-tsu su-ru) solve hitsuyō (hi-tsu-yō) necessity ga (ga) [subject] arimasu (a-ri-ma-su) exists
13.25 あの 時 の 決定 は 正しかった と 思います ano (a-no) that toki (to-ki) time no (no) [possessive] kettei (ket-tei) decision wa (wa) [topic] tadashikatta (ta-da-shi-kat-ta) was-correct to (to) [quotation] omoimasu (o-mo-i-ma-su) think
13.26 それ を もう一度 検討 して ください sore (so-re) that o (o) [object] mō ichido (mō i-chi-do) once-more kentō (ken-tō) consideration shite (shi-te) doing kudasai (ku-da-sa-i) please
13.27 来月 開催される 会議 で 発表 します raigetsu (rai-ge-tsu) next-month kaisai sareru (kai-sai sa-re-ru) held kaigi (kai-gi) meeting de (de) at happyō (hap-pyō) presentation shimasu (shi-ma-su) do
13.28 その データ は 信頼 できます か sono (so-no) that dēta (dē-ta) data wa (wa) [topic] shinrai (shin-rai) trust dekimasu (de-ki-ma-su) can ka (ka) [question]
13.29 あれ から 売上 が 増加 しました are (a-re) that kara (ka-ra) from uriage (u-ri-a-ge) sales ga (ga) [subject] zōka (zō-ka) increase shimashita (shi-ma-shi-ta) did
13.30 それ は 予算 内 で 可能 です か sore (so-re) that wa (wa) [topic] yosan (yo-san) budget nai (nai) within de (de) in kanō (ka-nō) possible desu (de-su) is ka (ka) [question]
13.16 その提案について話し合いましょう。Let's discuss that proposal.
13.17 あの会社との契約はどうなりましたか。What happened with the contract with that company?
13.18 それは良いアイデアですね。That's a good idea.
13.19 昨日送った資料を見ていただけましたか。Were you able to look at the materials that I sent yesterday?
13.20 その件に関しては部長に確認します。Regarding that matter, I'll confirm with the department manager.
13.21 あれは去年のプロジェクトの結果です。That is the result of last year's project.
13.22 それではその方向で進めましょう。Well then, let's proceed in that direction.
13.23 田中さんが提出した報告書は素晴らしかった。The report that Mr. Tanaka submitted was wonderful.
13.24 その問題を解決する必要があります。We need to solve that problem.
13.25 あの時の決定は正しかったと思います。I think the decision at that time was correct.
13.26 それをもう一度検討してください。Please consider that once more.
13.27 来月開催される会議で発表します。I'll present at the meeting that will be held next month.
13.28 そのデータは信頼できますか。Can we trust that data?
13.29 あれから売上が増加しました。Sales have increased since then.
13.30 それは予算内で可能ですか。Is that possible within budget?
13.16 その提案について話し合いましょう。
13.17 あの会社との契約はどうなりましたか。
13.18 それは良いアイデアですね。
13.19 昨日送った資料を見ていただけましたか。
13.20 その件に関しては部長に確認します。
13.21 あれは去年のプロジェクトの結果です。
13.22 それではその方向で進めましょう。
13.23 田中さんが提出した報告書は素晴らしかった。
13.24 その問題を解決する必要があります。
13.25 あの時の決定は正しかったと思います。
13.26 それをもう一度検討してください。
13.27 来月開催される会議で発表します。
13.28 そのデータは信頼できますか。
13.29 あれから売上が増加しました。
13.30 それは予算内で可能ですか。
In business Japanese, demonstratives serve specific professional functions:
その (sono) in Business: -
Often refers to topics under current discussion -
Shows engagement with the listener's ideas -
Examples: その提案 (that proposal), その件 (that matter)
あの (ano) in Business: -
References past events or distant matters -
Creates professional distance when needed -
Often used with time expressions: あの時 (at that time)
それ (sore) in Business: -
Responds to proposals or ideas just mentioned -
Common in phrases like それでは (well then) -
Shows active listening and acknowledgment
Relative Clauses in Business: -
Frequently used to specify documents, people, or events -
Pattern: [Person]が[verb]した[noun] -
Example: 田中さんが提出した報告書 (the report that Mr. Tanaka submitted)
Polite Considerations: -
Use of いただく (itadaku) for humble receiving -
Formal endings like でしょうか instead of ですか -
Careful selection of demonstratives to maintain appropriate distance
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