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この・その・あの

Learn how to use demonstrative determiners like この, その, and あの to specify particular objects.

While これ (this), それ (that), and あれ (that over there) act as independent nouns, この (this), その (that), and あの (that over there) must be followed directly by a noun to modify it:

この本は私のです。

This book is mine.

In this structure:

  • この modifies 本 to specify "this book".
  • 私のです uses the possessive pronoun 私の (mine) with the copula です.

Practice

Follow along with these examples to strengthen your understanding.

Assistant

この本は誰のですか？

Whose book is this?

この本は私のです。

This book is mine.

Assistant

そのカップは誰のですか？

Whose cup is that?

このカップは私のです。

This cup is mine.

Assistant

あのお茶は誰のですか？

Whose tea is that over there?

このお茶は私のです。

This tea is mine.

Assistant

そのコーヒーは誰のですか？

Whose coffee is that?

このコーヒーは私のです。

This coffee is mine.

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