Welcome to Lesson 10 of the Mandarin Chinese course. Today we will explore the third-person pronoun "它" (tā), which corresponds to the English word "it." This pronoun is essential for referring to objects, animals, and abstract concepts in Mandarin Chinese. For a complete index of all lessons in this course, please visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index.
Definition: 它 (tā) is the third-person singular pronoun used to refer to inanimate objects, animals (in modern usage), and abstract concepts. It is pronounced "tā" with a first (flat) tone.
FAQ Schema Q: What does "it" mean in Mandarin Chinese? A: "It" in Mandarin Chinese is 它 (tā). This pronoun is used to refer to things, objects, animals, and concepts that have already been mentioned or are understood from context. Unlike English, Chinese pronouns do not change form based on grammatical case.
How this word will be used in the lesson: In this lesson, you will encounter 它 in various sentence positions and contexts, helping you understand its usage in everyday Mandarin Chinese. The examples progress from simple subject positions to more complex grammatical structures.
Educational Schema Subject: Language Learning - Mandarin Chinese Level: Beginner to Intermediate Material Type: Reading Lesson for Autodidacts Focus: Third-person pronoun 它 (tā) Target Audience: English speakers learning Mandarin Chinese
Key Takeaways: -
它 (tā) is the standard pronoun for "it" in modern Mandarin -
It refers to inanimate objects, animals, and abstract concepts -
The pronunciation is first tone (high and flat) -
Unlike English, 它 doesn't change form for different grammatical cases -
Context is crucial for understanding what 它 refers to in a sentence
10.1 它 it (tā) 很 very (hěn) 大 big (dà)
10.2 我 I (wǒ) 喜欢 like (xǐ-huān) 它 it (tā)
10.3 它 it (tā) 在 at/in (zài) 桌子 table (zhuō-zi) 上 on (shàng)
10.4 你 you (nǐ) 看见 see (kàn-jiàn) 它 it (tā) 了 (completed action) (le) 吗 (question particle) (ma)?
10.5 把 (object marker) (bǎ) 它 it (tā) 放 put (fàng) 在 at (zài) 这儿 here (zhèr)
10.6 它 it (tā) 的 (possessive) (de) 颜色 color (yán-sè) 是 is (shì) 红色 red (hóng-sè)
10.7 老师 teacher (lǎo-shī) 说 say (shuō) 它 it (tā) 很 very (hěn) 重要 important (zhòng-yào)
10.8 它 it (tā) 不 not (bù) 在 at/in (zài) 家 home (jiā) 里 inside (lǐ)
10.9 请 please (qǐng) 把 (object marker) (bǎ) 它 it (tā) 给 give (gěi) 我 me (wǒ)
10.10 它 it (tā) 是 is (shì) 一 one (yī) 本 (measure word) (běn) 书 book (shū)
10.11 我们 we (wǒ-men) 找 look for (zhǎo) 不 not (bù) 到 arrive/reach (dào) 它 it (tā)
10.12 它 it (tā) 太 too (tài) 贵 expensive (guì) 了 (emphasis) (le)
10.13 妈妈 mother (mā-ma) 买 buy (mǎi) 了 (completed) (le) 它 it (tā)
10.14 它 it (tā) 坏 broken (huài) 了 (change of state) (le)
10.15 他们 they (tā-men) 需要 need (xū-yào) 它 it (tā)
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10.1 它很大。 It is very big.
10.2 我喜欢它。 I like it.
10.3 它在桌子上。 It is on the table.
10.4 你看见它了吗？ Did you see it?
10.5 把它放在这儿。 Put it here.
10.6 它的颜色是红色。 Its color is red.
10.7 老师说它很重要。 The teacher says it is very important.
10.8 它不在家里。 It is not at home.
10.9 请把它给我。 Please give it to me.
10.10 它是一本书。 It is a book.
10.11 我们找不到它。 We cannot find it.
10.12 它太贵了。 It is too expensive.
10.13 妈妈买了它。 Mother bought it.
10.14 它坏了。 It is broken.
10.15 他们需要它。 They need it.
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10.1 它很大。
10.2 我喜欢它。
10.3 它在桌子上。
10.4 你看见它了吗？
10.5 把它放在这儿。
10.6 它的颜色是红色。
10.7 老师说它很重要。
10.8 它不在家里。
10.9 请把它给我。
10.10 它是一本书。
10.11 我们找不到它。
10.12 它太贵了。
10.13 妈妈买了它。
10.14 它坏了。
10.15 他们需要它。
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Grammar Rules for 它 (tā)
The Chinese pronoun 它 functions quite differently from English "it" in several important ways: -
Form Invariability: Unlike English pronouns which change form (it/its), 它 remains the same regardless of grammatical function. Whether it's a subject, object, or possessive, the character stays 它. -
Possessive Construction: To show possession, Chinese adds the particle 的 (de) after 它. So "its" becomes 它的 (tā de). For example: 它的颜色 (its color). -
Word Order: Chinese follows Subject-Verb-Object order like English, so 它 can appear in similar positions. However, with the 把 (bǎ) construction, the object (它) moves before the verb. -
No Gender Distinction: While English "it" is inherently neuter, Chinese has three different characters pronounced "tā": 他 (he), 她 (she), and 它 (it). This distinction only exists in writing; they all sound identical. -
Context Dependency: Chinese relies heavily on context. Once something is mentioned, 它 can refer back to it without the explicit clarity English often requires.
Common Mistakes: -
Overusing 它: Chinese often drops pronouns when the context is clear. English speakers tend to overuse 它 where Chinese would omit it. -
Confusion with 他/她: Since all three third-person pronouns sound the same (tā), learners sometimes write the wrong character. -
Forgetting 的 for possession: English speakers often write 它书 instead of 它的书 for "its book." -
Word order in 把 sentences: Learners frequently maintain English word order instead of moving 它 before the verb in 把 constructions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using 它:
Step 1: Identify what 它 refers to (must be non-human) Step 2: Determine its grammatical role (subject, object, possessive) Step 3: If possessive, add 的 Step 4: If using 把 construction, place 它 after 把 and before the verb Step 5: Remember that 它 can often be omitted if the context is clear
Grammatical Summary: -
Character: 它 -
Pinyin: tā -
Tone: First tone (high and flat) -
Usage: Inanimate objects, animals, abstract concepts -
Possessive form: 它的 -
Can be subject or object without change -
Often omitted when context is clear
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Understanding the use of 它 in Mandarin Chinese requires appreciating several cultural and linguistic factors:
Historical Development: The character 它 is relatively modern in Chinese writing. Classical Chinese used 之 (zhī) or simply omitted pronouns. The current system of differentiated third-person pronouns (他, 她, 它) was influenced by Western languages in the early 20th century.
Cultural Attitudes: The use of 它 for animals reflects traditional Chinese categorization of living beings. While pets are increasingly referred to with 他 or 她 in informal speech (showing affection and personification), formal writing still uses 它 for animals.
Contextual Communication: Chinese culture values high-context communication, where much is understood without being explicitly stated. This explains why 它 is often omitted when the referent is clear from context, unlike in English where "it" is almost always required.
Written vs. Spoken Language: The distinction between 他, 她, and 它 exists only in writing. In spoken Mandarin, all three are pronounced identically as "tā," which means listeners must rely entirely on context to determine the referent.
Modern Usage Trends: With increasing Western influence and pet culture, younger Chinese speakers sometimes use 他 or 她 for beloved pets, though this remains informal. In formal or academic writing, 它 remains the standard for all non-human referents.
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From "The Little Prince" (小王子) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, translated by 周克希 (Zhōu Kèxī):
"这是我的秘密。它很简单：一个人只有用心才能看得清楚。重要的东西用眼睛是看不见的。"
这 this (zhè) 是 is (shì) 我 my (wǒ) 的 (possessive) (de) 秘密 secret (mì-mì)。它 it (tā) 很 very (hěn) 简单 simple (jiǎn-dān)：一 one (yī) 个 (measure word) (gè) 人 person (rén) 只有 only (zhǐ-yǒu) 用 use (yòng) 心 heart (xīn) 才能 only-can (cái-néng) 看 look (kàn) 得 (complement) (de) 清楚 clearly (qīng-chǔ)。重要 important (zhòng-yào) 的 (possessive) (de) 东西 things (dōng-xi) 用 use (yòng) 眼睛 eyes (yǎn-jing) 是 is (shì) 看 see (kàn) 不 not (bù) 见 perceive (jiàn) 的 (possessive) (de)。
这是我的秘密。它很简单：一个人只有用心才能看得清楚。重要的东西用眼睛是看不见的。
"This is my secret. It is very simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eyes."
这是我的秘密。它很简单：一个人只有用心才能看得清楚。重要的东西用眼睛是看不见的。
In this famous passage from "The Little Prince," 它 appears in the second sentence, referring back to 秘密 (secret) from the first sentence. This demonstrates the typical anaphoric use of 它 - referring to something previously mentioned.
The structure 它很简单 (it is very simple) shows the basic pattern of 它 + adverb + adjective, where 很 functions as an intensifier but often simply links the subject to the predicate adjective.
Note how Chinese maintains clarity without repeating "secret" - once 秘密 is introduced, 它 sufficiently identifies the referent. The passage also demonstrates how abstract concepts (like 秘密 and 重要的东西) are referred to with 它, just as tangible objects would be.
The translation captures the philosophical nature of the original French while maintaining natural Chinese expression, showing how 它 functions seamlessly in literary Chinese to maintain textual cohesion.
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10.16 手机 cellphone (shǒu-jī) 响 ring (xiǎng) 了 (completed) (le)，它 it (tā) 在 at (zài) 包 bag (bāo) 里 inside (lǐ)
10.17 电脑 computer (diàn-nǎo) 太 too (tài) 慢 slow (màn) 了 (emphasis) (le)，我 I (wǒ) 要 want (yào) 修理 repair (xiū-lǐ) 它 it (tā)
10.18 这 this (zhè) 个 (measure) (gè) 软件 software (ruǎn-jiàn) 很 very (hěn) 好用 useful (hǎo-yòng)，你 you (nǐ) 应该 should (yīng-gāi) 下载 download (xià-zǎi) 它 it (tā)
10.19 它 it (tā) 的 (possessive) (de) 电池 battery (diàn-chí) 没 not (méi) 电 electricity (diàn) 了 (completed) (le)
10.20 路由器 router (lù-yóu-qì) 坏 broken (huài) 了 (completed) (le)，它 it (tā) 需要 needs (xū-yào) 重启 restart (chóng-qǐ)
10.21 我 I (wǒ) 找 look-for (zhǎo) 不 not (bù) 到 find (dào) 充电器 charger (chōng-diàn-qì)，它 it (tā) 在 at (zài) 哪儿 where (nǎr)?
10.22 它 it (tā) 连接 connect (lián-jiē) 不 not (bù) 上 up/on (shàng) 网络 internet (wǎng-luò)
10.23 平板 tablet (píng-bǎn) 电脑 computer (diàn-nǎo) 掉 fall (diào) 了 (completed) (le)，还好 fortunately (hái-hǎo) 它 it (tā) 没 not (méi) 坏 broken (huài)
10.24 它 it (tā) 的 (possessive) (de) 屏幕 screen (píng-mù) 很 very (hěn) 清楚 clear (qīng-chǔ)
10.25 打印机 printer (dǎ-yìn-jī) 卡纸 paper-jam (kǎ-zhǐ) 了 (completed) (le)，请 please (qǐng) 检查 check (jiǎn-chá) 它 it (tā)
10.26 它 it (tā) 支持 support (zhī-chí) 无线 wireless (wú-xiàn) 充电 charging (chōng-diàn) 吗 (question) (ma)?
10.27 相机 camera (xiàng-jī) 很 very (hěn) 贵 expensive (guì)，要 must (yào) 小心 careful (xiǎo-xīn) 使用 use (shǐ-yòng) 它 it (tā)
10.28 它 it (tā) 可以 can (kě-yǐ) 播放 play (bō-fàng) 视频 video (shì-pín) 吗 (question) (ma)?
10.29 耳机 earphones (ěr-jī) 音质 sound-quality (yīn-zhì) 很 very (hěn) 好 good (hǎo)，它 it (tā) 值得 worth (zhí-dé) 购买 purchase (gòu-mǎi)
10.30 它 it (tā) 已经 already (yǐ-jīng) 过时 outdated (guò-shí) 了 (completed) (le)，需要 need (xū-yào) 更新 update (gēng-xīn)
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10.16 手机响了，它在包里。 The cellphone rang, it's in the bag.
10.17 电脑太慢了，我要修理它。 The computer is too slow, I need to repair it.
10.18 这个软件很好用，你应该下载它。 This software is very useful, you should download it.
10.19 它的电池没电了。 Its battery is dead.
10.20 路由器坏了，它需要重启。 The router is broken, it needs to be restarted.
10.21 我找不到充电器，它在哪儿？ I can't find the charger, where is it?
10.22 它连接不上网络。 It cannot connect to the network.
10.23 平板电脑掉了，还好它没坏。 The tablet fell, fortunately it's not broken.
10.24 它的屏幕很清楚。 Its screen is very clear.
10.25 打印机卡纸了，请检查它。 The printer has a paper jam, please check it.
10.26 它支持无线充电吗？ Does it support wireless charging?
10.27 相机很贵，要小心使用它。 The camera is expensive, use it carefully.
10.28 它可以播放视频吗？ Can it play videos?
10.29 耳机音质很好，它值得购买。 The earphones have good sound quality, it's worth buying.
10.30 它已经过时了，需要更新。 It's already outdated and needs updating.
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10.16 手机响了，它在包里。
10.17 电脑太慢了，我要修理它。
10.18 这个软件很好用，你应该下载它。
10.19 它的电池没电了。
10.20 路由器坏了，它需要重启。
10.21 我找不到充电器，它在哪儿？
10.22 它连接不上网络。
10.23 平板电脑掉了，还好它没坏。
10.24 它的屏幕很清楚。
10.25 打印机卡纸了，请检查它。
10.26 它支持无线充电吗？
10.27 相机很贵，要小心使用它。
10.28 它可以播放视频吗？
10.29 耳机音质很好，它值得购买。
10.30 它已经过时了，需要更新。
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Special Usage of 它 in Technology Contexts
When discussing technology, 它 takes on particular importance as it refers to devices, software, and digital concepts. Here are key patterns specific to tech-related Chinese: -
Device References: Technology items (手机, 电脑, 平板) are always referred to with 它, never 他 or 她, regardless of any personification in English (like "Siri" or "Alexa"). -
Feature Descriptions: The pattern 它的 + feature (它的屏幕, 它的电池) is extremely common when discussing device specifications or problems. -
Capability Questions: The structure 它可以...吗？ (Can it...?) is standard for asking about device functions. Note the placement of 吗 at the end to form the question. -
State Changes: Technology contexts frequently use 了 to indicate completed actions or state changes (坏了, 响了, 没电了), often describing malfunctions or status updates. -
Action Directives: Imperative sentences with technology often follow the pattern: verb + 它 (下载它, 重启它, 检查它).
Common Technology Collocations with 它: -
修理它 (repair it) -
更新它 (update it) -
重启它 (restart it) -
下载它 (download it) -
充电它 (charge it) - though 给它充电 is more common -
使用它 (use it) -
检查它 (check it)
Cultural Note: Chinese technology vocabulary heavily borrows from English but adapts the terms to Chinese phonetic and semantic patterns. Understanding 它 in these contexts helps navigate modern Chinese digital communication.
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The Latinum Institute has been creating online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering self-directed language education through carefully structured lessons. This Mandarin Chinese course follows the Institute's proven methodology, which emphasizes:
Interlinear Learning: Each lesson features detailed word-by-word glossing, allowing learners to see the direct correspondence between Mandarin Chinese and English. This approach, refined over nearly two decades, helps autodidacts build vocabulary and grammatical understanding simultaneously.
Authentic Texts: The course incorporates real Chinese literature and contemporary usage, not simplified or artificial examples. This exposure to authentic language prepares learners for real-world Chinese communication.
Cultural Integration: Language and culture are inseparable. Each lesson includes cultural context that helps learners understand not just what to say, but why and when to say it.
Progressive Complexity: Starting with basic pronouns like 它, the course systematically builds complexity while constantly reinforcing earlier material. The genre sections provide focused practice in specific contexts like technology, business, or literature.
Self-Study Design: Created specifically for autodidacts, these lessons require no teacher or classroom. The comprehensive explanations, multiple example formats, and systematic repetition enable independent learners to progress at their own pace.
The method draws inspiration from classical language pedagogy while incorporating modern linguistic insights. The interlinear approach mirrors how ancient scribes learned languages through glossed texts, proven effective over millennia.
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Each lesson in this course maintains consistent formatting and pedagogical approach, ensuring learners can focus on content rather than adapting to new presentation styles. The systematic use of sections A through F, with the specialized genre section, provides multiple exposures to target vocabulary in increasingly natural contexts.
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