Welcome to Lesson 13 of the Mandarin Chinese course for English speakers. In this lesson, we will explore the Chinese word 那 (nà), which corresponds to the English word "that." This demonstrative pronoun is fundamental to everyday Chinese communication and appears frequently in both spoken and written language.
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Definition: 那 (nà) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning "that" - used to indicate something or someone at a distance from the speaker, either physically or conceptually. It can function as a demonstrative adjective when modifying nouns, often combined with measure words like 个 (gè) to form 那个 (nàge).
FAQ Schema Q: What does 那 (nà) mean in Mandarin Chinese? A: 那 (nà) means "that" in Mandarin Chinese. It is a demonstrative pronoun used to point to or refer to something that is relatively distant from the speaker, either in physical space, time, or conceptual distance. When combined with measure words like 个 (gè), it forms constructions like 那个 (nàge) meaning "that one."
How this word will be used in the lesson: Throughout this lesson, you will encounter 那 in various contexts - as a simple demonstrative ("that"), combined with measure words ("that [one]"), in comparative structures, and in everyday conversational patterns. The examples progress from simple to more complex uses, helping you understand how native speakers naturally employ this essential word.
Educational Schema Subject: Language Learning - Mandarin Chinese Topic: Demonstrative Pronouns Level: Beginner to Intermediate Learning Objective: Students will learn to use the Chinese demonstrative pronoun 那 (nà) in various grammatical contexts Material Type: Self-study Reading Lesson Language of Instruction: English Target Language: Mandarin Chinese
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那 (nà) is the basic demonstrative pronoun meaning "that" in Mandarin Chinese -
It often combines with measure words, most commonly 个 (gè), to form 那个 (nàge) -
那 can function as both a pronoun and an adjective -
It contrasts with 这 (zhè) meaning "this" - near vs. far distinction -
In casual speech, 那个 is often pronounced "nèige" rather than "nàge" -
那 appears in many fixed expressions and is essential for natural Chinese communication
13.1 那 (nà) that 本 (běn) [measure word for books] 书 (shū) book 是 (shì) is 我的 (wǒ de) mine
13.2 我 (wǒ) I 喜欢 (xǐhuān) like 那个 (nàge) that-[one] 红色的 (hóng sè de) red 包 (bāo) bag
13.3 那 (nà) that 是 (shì) is 谁的 (shéi de) whose 车 (chē) car ？(?) [question mark]
13.4 请 (qǐng) please 把 (bǎ) [object marker] 那 (nà) that 张 (zhāng) [measure word for flat objects] 纸 (zhǐ) paper 给 (gěi) give 我 (wǒ) me
13.5 那个 (nàge) that 人 (rén) person 是 (shì) is 我的 (wǒ de) my 老师 (lǎoshī) teacher
13.6 你 (nǐ) you 看见 (kànjiàn) see 那 (nà) that 只 (zhī) [measure word for animals] 鸟 (niǎo) bird 了 (le) [completed action] 吗 (ma) [question particle] ？(?)
13.7 那 (nà) that 时候 (shíhou) time 我 (wǒ) I 还 (hái) still 很 (hěn) very 年轻 (niánqīng) young
13.8 从 (cóng) from 这里 (zhèlǐ) here 到 (dào) to 那里 (nàlǐ) there 要 (yào) need 多久 (duōjiǔ) how-long ？(?)
13.9 那个 (nàge) that 女孩 (nǚhái) girl 唱歌 (chànggē) sing 唱得 (chàng de) sing-[adverbial] 很 (hěn) very 好听 (hǎotīng) pleasant-to-hear
13.10 那 (nà) that 家 (jiā) [measure word for establishments] 餐厅 (cāntīng) restaurant 的 (de) [possessive] 菜 (cài) food 很 (hěn) very 好吃 (hǎochī) delicious
13.11 他 (tā) he 住在 (zhù zài) lives-at 那 (nà) that 条 (tiáo) [measure word for long things] 街 (jiē) street 上 (shàng) on
13.12 那些 (nàxiē) those 学生 (xuésheng) students 都 (dōu) all 很 (hěn) very 聪明 (cōngming) smart
13.13 那天 (nà tiān) that-day 晚上 (wǎnshang) evening 下雨 (xiàyǔ) rain 了 (le) [completed action]
13.14 你 (nǐ) you 记得 (jìde) remember 那 (nà) that 件 (jiàn) [measure word for matters] 事 (shì) matter 吗 (ma) [question particle] ？(?)
13.15 那么 (nàme) then/so 我们 (wǒmen) we 明天 (míngtiān) tomorrow 见 (jiàn) meet 吧 (ba) [suggestion particle]
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13.1 那本书是我的。That book is mine.
13.2 我喜欢那个红色的包。I like that red bag.
13.3 那是谁的车？Whose car is that?
13.4 请把那张纸给我。Please give me that piece of paper.
13.5 那个人是我的老师。That person is my teacher.
13.6 你看见那只鸟了吗？Did you see that bird?
13.7 那时候我还很年轻。At that time I was still very young.
13.8 从这里到那里要多久？How long does it take from here to there?
13.9 那个女孩唱歌唱得很好听。That girl sings very beautifully.
13.10 那家餐厅的菜很好吃。The food at that restaurant is delicious.
13.11 他住在那条街上。He lives on that street.
13.12 那些学生都很聪明。Those students are all very smart.
13.13 那天晚上下雨了。It rained that evening.
13.14 你记得那件事吗？Do you remember that matter?
13.15 那么我们明天见吧。Then let's meet tomorrow.
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13.1 那本书是我的。
13.2 我喜欢那个红色的包。
13.3 那是谁的车？
13.4 请把那张纸给我。
13.5 那个人是我的老师。
13.6 你看见那只鸟了吗？
13.7 那时候我还很年轻。
13.8 从这里到那里要多久？
13.9 那个女孩唱歌唱得很好听。
13.10 那家餐厅的菜很好吃。
13.11 他住在那条街上。
13.12 那些学生都很聪明。
13.13 那天晚上下雨了。
13.14 你记得那件事吗？
13.15 那么我们明天见吧。
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Basic Function: 那 functions as a demonstrative pronoun and demonstrative adjective in Mandarin Chinese, equivalent to "that" in English. It indicates distance from the speaker, contrasting with 这 (zhè) meaning "this."
Key Patterns: -
那 + Measure Word + Noun: The most common pattern -
那个人 (nàge rén) - that person -
那本书 (nà běn shū) - that book -
那只猫 (nà zhī māo) - that cat -
那 as a standalone pronoun: -
那是什么？(nà shì shénme?) - What is that? -
那不对 (nà bù duì) - That's not right -
Spatial usage: -
那里 (nàlǐ) - there (that place) -
那边 (nàbiān) - over there (that side) -
Temporal usage: -
那天 (nà tiān) - that day -
那时候 (nà shíhou) - that time/at that time -
Plural form: -
那些 (nàxiē) - those
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Forgetting measure words: English speakers often omit measure words -
Wrong: 那书 (nà shū) -
Correct: 那本书 (nà běn shū) -
Overusing 那个: Not every "that" needs 那个; sometimes just 那 suffices -
Overly literal: 那个时候 (nàge shíhou) -
More natural: 那时候 (nà shíhou) -
Pronunciation: In casual speech, 那个 often sounds like "nèige" rather than "nàge" -
Word order: Unlike English, Chinese demonstratives always precede the noun -
English: "the book that I bought" -
Chinese: 我买的那本书 (wǒ mǎi de nà běn shū)
Distance distinction: Like English "this/that," Chinese uses 这/那 to show near/far relationships, but Chinese requires this distinction more consistently.
Measure words: English doesn't require measure words with demonstratives ("that book"), but Chinese almost always does (那本书).
Abstract usage: Both languages use demonstratives abstractly: -
English: "That's interesting" -
Chinese: 那很有趣 (nà hěn yǒuqù)
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Identify what you're pointing to: person, object, place, time, or abstract concept -
Choose the appropriate measure word: -
People: 个 (gè) or 位 (wèi, polite) -
Books: 本 (běn) -
Flat objects: 张 (zhāng) -
Long objects: 条 (tiáo) -
Construct the phrase: 那 + measure word + noun -
For abstract concepts or when the noun is understood: Use 那 alone -
For plurals: Use 那些 (nàxiē) instead of 那
Forms: -
Singular: 那 (nà) -
Plural: 那些 (nàxiē) -
Common compounds: 那个 (nàge), 那里 (nàlǐ), 那么 (nàme)
Functions: -
Demonstrative pronoun: stands alone -
Demonstrative adjective: modifies nouns -
Spatial indicator: shows location -
Temporal indicator: shows time -
Discourse connector: 那么 (then/so)
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The use of 那 extends beyond simple grammar into cultural communication patterns. In Chinese culture, the distinction between near and far (这/那) often carries social and emotional implications that English speakers might not immediately recognize.
Spatial and Social Distance: Chinese speakers use 那 to create psychological distance, not just physical distance. When referring to sensitive topics or people one wishes to distance oneself from, 那 might be chosen over 这 even when the referent isn't physically distant.
Filler Usage: 那个 (nàge/nèige) serves as a common filler word in spoken Chinese, similar to "um" or "uh" in English. This usage is so prevalent that some speakers have become self-conscious about overusing it, particularly in formal situations.
Respectful Distance: In formal contexts, using 那位 (nà wèi) instead of 那个 (nàge) when referring to people shows respect by maintaining a polite distance. This reflects the Chinese cultural value of appropriate social spacing.
Regional Variations: Northern Chinese speakers tend to pronounce 那个 as "nèige" in casual speech, while southern speakers may maintain the "nàge" pronunciation. This variation is widely accepted and understood across China.
Narrative Function: In storytelling and casual conversation, 那 helps establish temporal distance and narrative flow. Phrases like 那时候 (at that time) are essential for recounting past events, creating a sense of reminiscence that resonates with Chinese narrative traditions.
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那 (nà) that 一 (yī) one 天 (tiān) day ，(,) [comma] 祥子 (Xiángzi) Xiangzi 拉着 (lā zhe) pulling 车 (chē) rickshaw ，(,) [comma] 看见 (kànjiàn) saw 那 (nà) that 个 (gè) [measure word] 熟悉的 (shúxī de) familiar 街角 (jiējiǎo) street-corner 。(.) [period] 那里 (nàlǐ) there 有 (yǒu) has 一 (yī) one 棵 (kē) [measure word for trees] 老 (lǎo) old 槐树 (huáishù) locust-tree ，(,) [comma] 他 (tā) he 记得 (jìde) remembered 那 (nà) that 棵 (kē) [measure word] 树 (shù) tree 下 (xià) under 发生的 (fāshēng de) happened 事 (shì) matter 。(.) [period] 那些 (nàxiē) those 往事 (wǎngshì) past-events 让 (ràng) made 他 (tā) him 心里 (xīnlǐ) in-heart 一 (yī) one 阵 (zhèn) [measure word for periods] 酸楚 (suānchǔ) bitter 。(.) [period]
那一天，祥子拉着车，看见那个熟悉的街角。那里有一棵老槐树，他记得那棵树下发生的事。那些往事让他心里一阵酸楚。
That day, Xiangzi was pulling his rickshaw and saw that familiar street corner. There was an old locust tree there; he remembered what had happened under that tree. Those past events made his heart feel a wave of bitterness.
那一天，祥子拉着车，看见那个熟悉的街角。那里有一棵老槐树，他记得那棵树下发生的事。那些往事让他心里一阵酸楚。
This passage demonstrates several uses of 那: -
那一天 (that day) - temporal distance marker -
那个熟悉的街角 (that familiar street corner) - demonstrative with measure word modifying a noun phrase -
那里 (there) - spatial demonstrative compound -
那棵树 (that tree) - demonstrative with specific measure word for trees -
那些往事 (those past events) - plural demonstrative showing emotional and temporal distance
The repetition of 那 throughout the passage creates a sense of distance and nostalgia, reinforcing the protagonist's separation from his past. This literary technique uses the grammatical function of demonstratives to enhance the emotional impact of the narrative.
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13.16 那个 (nàge) that 你 (nǐ) you 说 (shuō) say 什么 (shénme) what ？(?) 我 (wǒ) I 没 (méi) not 听清 (tīng qīng) hear-clearly
13.17 你 (nǐ) you 能 (néng) can 把 (bǎ) [object marker] 那 (nà) that 瓶 (píng) [measure word for bottles] 水 (shuǐ) water 递 (dì) pass 给 (gěi) to 我 (wǒ) me 吗 (ma) [question particle] ？(?)
13.18 那 (nà) that 好吧 (hǎo ba) okay ，(,) 我们 (wǒmen) we 就 (jiù) then 这样 (zhèyàng) this-way 决定 (juédìng) decide 了 (le) [completed action]
13.19 你 (nǐ) you 看 (kàn) look 那边 (nàbiān) over-there 有 (yǒu) there-is 个 (gè) [measure word] 咖啡店 (kāfēi diàn) coffee-shop
13.20 那个 (nàge) uhm... 我 (wǒ) I 想想 (xiǎng xiǎng) think-think 怎么 (zěnme) how 说 (shuō) say
13.21 那 (nà) that 不 (bù) not 可能 (kěnéng) possible ！(!) [exclamation] 你 (nǐ) you 确定 (quèdìng) sure 吗 (ma) [question particle] ？(?)
13.22 我 (wǒ) I 把 (bǎ) [object marker] 那些 (nàxiē) those 东西 (dōngxi) things 都 (dōu) all 放在 (fàng zài) put-at 桌子 (zhuōzi) table 上 (shàng) on 了 (le) [completed action]
13.23 那样 (nàyàng) that-way 的话 (de huà) if ，(,) 我们 (wǒmen) we 需要 (xūyào) need 更多 (gèng duō) more 时间 (shíjiān) time
13.24 你 (nǐ) you 还 (hái) still 记得 (jìde) remember 那 (nà) that 首 (shǒu) [measure word for songs] 歌 (gē) song 吗 (ma) [question particle] ？(?)
13.25 那 (nà) that 倒 (dào) actually 是 (shì) is 个 (gè) [measure word] 好 (hǎo) good 主意 (zhǔyi) idea
13.26 从 (cóng) from 那 (nà) that 以后 (yǐhòu) after ，(,) 他 (tā) he 就 (jiù) then 没 (méi) not 来 (lái) come 过 (guò) [experiential aspect]
13.27 那么 (nàme) then 贵 (guì) expensive ！(!) 我们 (wǒmen) we 还是 (háishi) better 买 (mǎi) buy 别的 (bié de) other 吧 (ba) [suggestion particle]
13.28 那会儿 (nà huìr) that-moment 我 (wǒ) I 正在 (zhèngzài) right-now 做饭 (zuò fàn) cooking 呢 (ne) [continuous particle]
13.29 你 (nǐ) you 去 (qù) go 过 (guò) [experiential] 那 (nà) that 家 (jiā) [measure word] 新 (xīn) new 开的 (kāi de) opened 店 (diàn) shop 吗 (ma) [question particle] ？(?)
13.30 那 (nà) that 就 (jiù) then 这么 (zhème) this-way 办 (bàn) do 吧 (ba) [suggestion particle] ，(,) 没 (méi) no 问题 (wèntí) problem
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13.16 那个，你说什么？我没听清。Um, what did you say? I didn't hear clearly.
13.17 你能把那瓶水递给我吗？Can you pass me that bottle of water?
13.18 那好吧，我们就这样决定了。Okay then, let's decide it this way.
13.19 你看那边有个咖啡店。Look, there's a coffee shop over there.
13.20 那个...我想想怎么说。Um... let me think how to say it.
13.21 那不可能！你确定吗？That's impossible! Are you sure?
13.22 我把那些东西都放在桌子上了。I put all those things on the table.
13.23 那样的话，我们需要更多时间。In that case, we need more time.
13.24 你还记得那首歌吗？Do you still remember that song?
13.25 那倒是个好主意。That's actually a good idea.
13.26 从那以后，他就没来过。Since then, he hasn't come.
13.27 那么贵！我们还是买别的吧。So expensive! We'd better buy something else.
13.28 那会儿我正在做饭呢。At that moment I was cooking.
13.29 你去过那家新开的店吗？Have you been to that newly opened shop?
13.30 那就这么办吧，没问题。Then let's do it this way, no problem.
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13.16 那个，你说什么？我没听清。
13.17 你能把那瓶水递给我吗？
13.18 那好吧，我们就这样决定了。
13.19 你看那边有个咖啡店。
13.20 那个...我想想怎么说。
13.21 那不可能！你确定吗？
13.22 我把那些东西都放在桌子上了。
13.23 那样的话，我们需要更多时间。
13.24 你还记得那首歌吗？
13.25 那倒是个好主意。
13.26 从那以后，他就没来过。
13.27 那么贵！我们还是买别的吧。
13.28 那会儿我正在做饭呢。
13.29 你去过那家新开的店吗？
13.30 那就这么办吧，没问题。
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In daily conversation, 那 takes on additional functions beyond its basic demonstrative meaning:
1. Filler Word: 那个 (nàge/nèige) serves as a hesitation marker, similar to "um" or "uh" in English. This gives speakers time to think while maintaining their turn in conversation.
2. Discourse Markers: -
那 at the beginning of a sentence: Shows agreement or acknowledgment -
那么 (nàme): Introduces a conclusion or consequence -
那样的话 (nàyàng de huà): "In that case" -
那倒是 (nà dào shì): "That's actually..." (mild surprise or reconsideration)
3. Temporal Expressions in Conversation: -
那会儿 (nà huìr): "at that time" (colloquial) -
那时候 (nà shíhou): "at that time" (standard) -
从那以后 (cóng nà yǐhòu): "since then"
4. Fixed Expressions: -
那就 (nà jiù): "then" (introducing a decision) -
那好吧 (nà hǎo ba): "okay then" (acceptance) -
那不可能 (nà bù kěnéng): "that's impossible"
Common Patterns in Spoken Chinese: -
Topic Introduction: Using 那个 to introduce a new topic or to get someone's attention -
Agreement Patterns: 那好 (nà hǎo), 那行 (nà xíng), 那就这样 (nà jiù zhèyàng) -
Clarification Requests: Often preceded by 那个 when asking for clarification -
Spatial Reference: 那边 (over there), 那里 (there) are very common in giving directions
Pronunciation in Casual Speech: -
那个 often becomes "nèige" -
那么 may be shortened to just 那 -
Speed and tone can indicate attitude (surprise, agreement, doubt)
Cultural Note for Conversations: The frequency of 那个 as a filler can vary by region and individual habit. Some speakers are conscious about overusing it, especially in formal situations, as it can be perceived as lacking confidence or preparation.
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The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering self-directed learning approaches for classical and modern languages. Our method emphasizes comprehensible input through carefully constructed interlinear texts that allow learners to absorb vocabulary and grammar patterns naturally.
These lessons follow the principles developed at latinum.org.uk and detailed further at the method page on latinum.substack.com. The approach combines: -
Construed Reading: Breaking down texts word-by-word to make complex grammar immediately comprehensible -
Graduated Complexity: Starting with simple sentences and progressively introducing more complex structures -
Contextual Learning: Embedding vocabulary and grammar in meaningful, interesting contexts -
Multiple Exposures: Presenting the same material in different formats to reinforce learning
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