Mastering “That One” in Chinese: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express “that one” in Chinese is crucial for clear and effective communication. This phrase is used constantly in daily conversation to specify objects, people, or ideas.

Mastering the nuances of its expression not only enhances your ability to point things out but also improves your comprehension of spoken Chinese. This article provides a detailed exploration of the various ways to say “that one” in Chinese, covering grammatical structures, usage rules, common mistakes, and plenty of practice exercises.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently navigate this essential aspect of the Chinese language.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition: “That One” in Chinese
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories
  • 那个 (nà ge)
  • 内个 (nèi ge)
  • 讷个 (nè ge)
  • 这个 (zhè ge)
  • 哪一个 (nǎ yī ge)
  • 那些 (nà xiē)
• Examples
  • 那个 (nà ge) Examples
  • 内个 (nèi ge) Examples
  • 讷个 (nè ge) Examples
  • 这个 (zhè ge) Examples
  • 哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) Examples
  • 那些 (nà xiē) Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition: “That One” in Chinese

In Chinese, expressing “that one” involves using demonstrative pronouns combined with measure words. The most common way to say “that one” is 那个 (nà ge). This phrase is used to refer to a specific item or person that is at a distance from the speaker or has been previously mentioned. The term “那” (nà) translates to “that,” while “个” (ge) is a general-purpose measure word used for many nouns. However, the choice of measure word can change depending on the noun being specified. Understanding the function of each component is crucial for accurate usage.

The phrase functions as a determiner when modifying a noun, specifying which particular item is being referred to. It also functions as a pronoun when standing alone, representing a specific item understood from context.

The context often determines the exact meaning; for example, it can be used to point out a specific object, to refer back to something previously discussed, or to indicate a preference between options. The flexibility of the phrase makes it indispensable in everyday conversations.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure for expressing “that one” in Chinese utilizes a demonstrative pronoun and a measure word. The most common structure is:

那 (nà / nèi) + Measure Word + Noun (optional)

• 那 (nà): Demonstrative pronoun meaning “that.” It can also be pronounced as nèi in certain dialects or when followed by certain tones.
• Measure Word: A word that classifies the noun. The most common measure word is 个 (ge), but others exist and are used based on the noun.
• Noun (optional): The specific item being referred to. It can be omitted if the context is clear.

For example:

• 那个苹果 (nà ge píngguǒ) – That apple (那 – that, 个 – general measure word, 苹果 – apple)
• 那本书 (nà běn shū) – That book (那 – that, 本 – measure word for books, 书 – book)

If the context is already established, you can simply say 那个 (nà ge) without mentioning the noun. For instance, if you are pointing at an apple, you can just say “我要那个 (wǒ yào nà ge)” – “I want that one.”

Types and Categories

While 那个 (nà ge) is the most common way to say “that one,” there are variations and other related expressions that are important to understand.

那个 (nà ge)

那个 (nà ge) is the standard and most versatile way to say “that one.” It can be used for people, objects, and abstract concepts. It is generally applicable and safe to use in most situations.

内个 (nèi ge)

内个 (nèi ge) is a regional pronunciation variation of 那个 (nà ge), common in some Northern Chinese dialects. The meaning is identical, but the pronunciation of “那” changes from “nà” to “nèi.”

讷个 (nè ge)

讷个 (nè ge) is another variation, less common than 那个 (nà ge) and 内个 (nèi ge), but still used in specific regional dialects. It’s crucial to recognize it to avoid confusion.

这个 (zhè ge)

While not meaning “that one,” 这个 (zhè ge), meaning “this one,” is closely related and often used in contrast to 那个 (nà ge). Understanding both is essential for comparative descriptions.

哪一个 (nǎ yī ge)

哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) translates to “which one?” and is used when asking someone to specify which of several options they are referring to. It uses 哪 (nǎ), meaning “which.”

那些 (nà xiē)

那些 (nà xiē) means “those” (plural). It is used when referring to multiple items that are “that” (distant or previously mentioned) instead of just “that one.”

Examples

The following examples illustrate the different ways to use each expression in context.

那个 (nà ge) Examples

The following table provides examples of how to use ‘那个 (nà ge)’ in various contexts. Note the flexibility of this phrase and its common usage.

Sentence	Pinyin	English Translation
我要那个。	Wǒ yào nà ge.	I want that one.
那个苹果很好吃。	Nà ge píngguǒ hěn hǎochī.	That apple is very delicious.
你喜欢那个吗？	Nǐ xǐhuān nà ge ma?	Do you like that one?
那个人是谁？	Nà ge rén shì shéi?	Who is that person?
我不喜欢那个。	Wǒ bù xǐhuān nà ge.	I don’t like that one.
那个东西多少钱？	Nà ge dōngxī duōshao qián?	How much is that thing?
那个地方很漂亮。	Nà ge dìfang hěn piàoliang.	That place is very beautiful.
那个电影很有意思。	Nà ge diànyǐng hěn yǒuyìsi.	That movie is very interesting.
那个问题很难。	Nà ge wèntí hěn nán.	That question is very difficult.
我看见了那个。	Wǒ kànjiàn le nà ge.	I saw that one.
那个颜色很漂亮。	Nà ge yánsè hěn piàoliang.	That color is very beautiful.
那个故事很有趣。	Nà ge gùshì hěn yǒuqù.	That story is very interesting.
那个想法不错。	Nà ge xiǎngfǎ bùcuò.	That idea is not bad.
那个机会很难得。	Nà ge jīhuì hěn nándé.	That opportunity is rare.
那个决定很重要。	Nà ge juédìng hěn zhòngyào.	That decision is very important.
那个消息是真的吗？	Nà ge xiāoxi shì zhēnde ma?	Is that news true?
那个计划很周密。	Nà ge jìhuà hěn zhōumì.	That plan is very thorough.
那个结果令人满意。	Nà ge jiéguǒ lìng rén mǎnyì.	That result is satisfactory.
那个房间很干净。	Nà ge fángjiān hěn gānjìng.	That room is very clean.
那个餐厅很受欢迎。	Nà ge cāntīng hěn shòu huānyíng.	That restaurant is very popular.
那个学校很有名。	Nà ge xuéxiào hěn yǒumíng.	That school is very famous.
那个城市很繁华。	Nà ge chéngshì hěn fánhuá.	That city is very prosperous.
那个国家很美丽。	Nà ge guójiā hěn měilì.	That country is very beautiful.

内个 (nèi ge) Examples

This table illustrates the usage of ‘内个 (nèi ge)’, a regional variant of ‘那个 (nà ge)’. The meaning remains the same, but the pronunciation differs.

Sentence	Pinyin	English Translation
我要内个。	Wǒ yào nèi ge.	I want that one.
内个人是谁？	Nèi ge rén shì shéi?	Who is that person?
你喜欢内个吗？	Nǐ xǐhuān nèi ge ma?	Do you like that one?
内个东西多少钱？	Nèi ge dōngxī duōshao qián?	How much is that thing?
内个地方怎么样？	Nèi ge dìfang zěnme yàng?	How is that place?
内个车是我的。	Nèi ge chē shì wǒ de.	That car is mine.
内个颜色好看。	Nèi ge yánsè hǎokàn.	That color looks good.
内个房间太小了。	Nèi ge fángjiān tài xiǎo le.	That room is too small.
内个饭馆不错。	Nèi ge fànguǎn bùcuò.	That restaurant is not bad.
内个工作很难。	Nèi ge gōngzuò hěn nán.	That job is very difficult.
内个问题很重要。	Nèi ge wèntí hěn zhòngyào.	That question is very important.
内个电影你看过吗？	Nèi ge diànyǐng nǐ kànguò ma?	Have you seen that movie?
内个书很有意思。	Nèi ge shū hěn yǒuyìsi.	That book is very interesting.
内个故事是真的吗？	Nèi ge gùshì shì zhēnde ma?	Is that story true?
内个计划可行吗？	Nèi ge jìhuà kěxíng ma?	Is that plan feasible?
内个方法有效。	Nèi ge fāngfǎ yǒuxiào.	That method is effective.
内个决定正确。	Nèi ge juédìng zhèngquè.	That decision is correct.
内个消息令人兴奋。	Nèi ge xiāoxi lìng rén xīngfèn.	That news is exciting.
内个机会难得。	Nèi ge jīhuì nándé.	That opportunity is rare.
内个结果令人满意。	Nèi ge jiéguǒ lìng rén mǎnyì.	That result is satisfactory.
内个城市很漂亮。	Nèi ge chéngshì hěn piàoliang.	That city is very beautiful.
内个学校很有名。	Nèi ge xuéxiào hěn yǒumíng.	That school is very famous.
内个餐厅很贵。	Nèi ge cāntīng hěn guì.	That restaurant is very expensive.

讷个 (nè ge) Examples

This table shows examples of ‘讷个 (nè ge)’. This variation is less common and primarily used in specific regional dialects, so exposure is important for recognition.

Sentence	Pinyin	English Translation
我要讷个。	Wǒ yào nè ge.	I want that one.
讷个人是谁啊？	Nè ge rén shì shéi a?	Who is that person?
你喜欢讷个吗？	Nǐ xǐhuān nè ge ma?	Do you like that one?
讷个东西多少钱？	Nè ge dōngxī duōshao qián?	How much is that thing?
讷个地方好玩吗？	Nè ge dìfang hǎowán ma?	Is that place fun?
讷个颜色怎么样？	Nè ge yánsè zěnme yàng?	How is that color?
讷个月亮真圆。	Nè ge yuèliang zhēn yuán.	That moon is really round.
讷个电影好看吗？	Nè ge diànyǐng hǎokàn ma?	Is that movie good?
讷个工作累不累？	Nè ge gōngzuò lèi bù lèi?	Is that job tiring?
讷个问题难不难？	Nè ge wèntí nán bù nán?	Is that question difficult?
讷个办法行不行？	Nè ge bànfǎ xíng bù xíng?	Will that method work?
讷个消息可靠吗？	Nè ge xiāoxi kěkào ma?	Is that news reliable?
讷个主意怎么样？	Nè ge zhǔyi zěnme yàng?	How is that idea?
讷个机会难得啊。	Nè ge jīhuì nándé a.	That opportunity is rare.
讷个结果满意吗？	Nè ge jiéguǒ mǎnyì ma?	Is that result satisfactory?
讷个城市热闹吗？	Nè ge chéngshì rènào ma?	Is that city lively?
讷个学校好不好？	Nè ge xuéxiào hǎo bù hǎo?	Is that school good?
讷个饭馆贵不贵？	Nè ge fànguǎn guì bù guì?	Is that restaurant expensive?
讷个房间干净吗？	Nè ge fángjiān gānjìng ma?	Is that room clean?
讷个电脑好用吗？	Nè ge diànnǎo hǎoyòng ma?	Is that computer easy to use?

这个 (zhè ge) Examples

This table contrasts “这个 (zhè ge)” – “this one” – with “那个 (nà ge).” Understanding the distinction is fundamental for accurate communication.

Sentence	Pinyin	English Translation
我要这个。	Wǒ yào zhè ge.	I want this one.
这个人是我的朋友。	Zhè ge rén shì wǒ de péngyou.	This person is my friend.
你喜欢这个吗？	Nǐ xǐhuān zhè ge ma?	Do you like this one?
这个东西多少钱？	Zhè ge dōngxī duōshao qián?	How much is this thing?
这个地方很安静。	Zhè ge dìfang hěn ānjìng.	This place is very quiet.
这个颜色很鲜艳。	Zhè ge yánsè hěn xiānyàn.	This color is very bright.
这个房间很舒服。	Zhè ge fángjiān hěn shūfu.	This room is very comfortable.
这个饭馆很好吃。	Zhè ge fànguǎn hěn hǎochī.	This restaurant is very delicious.
这个工作很有挑战性。	Zhè ge gōngzuò hěn yǒu tiǎozhànxìng.	This job is very challenging.
这个问题很简单。	Zhè ge wèntí hěn jiǎndān.	This question is very simple.
这个电影很好看。	Zhè ge diànyǐng hěn hǎokàn.	This movie is very good.
这本书很有用。	Zhè ge shū hěn yǒuyòng.	This book is very useful.
这个故事很感人。	Zhè ge gùshì hěn gǎnrén.	This story is very touching.
这个计划很完美。	Zhè ge jìhuà hěn wánměi.	This plan is very perfect.
这个方法很有效。	Zhè ge fāngfǎ hěn yǒuxiào.	This method is very effective.
这个决定很明智。	Zhè ge juédìng hěn míngzhì.	This decision is very wise.
这个消息很令人高兴。	Zhè ge xiāoxi hěn lìng rén gāoxìng.	This news is very pleasing.
这个机会很难得。	Zhè ge jīhuì hěn nándé.	This opportunity is rare.
这个结果很令人满意。	Zhè ge jiéguǒ hěn lìng rén mǎnyì.	This result is very satisfactory.
这个城市很现代化。	Zhè ge chéngshì hěn xiàndàihuà.	This city is very modern.
这个学校很有名。	Zhè ge xuéxiào hěn yǒumíng.	This school is very famous.
这个餐厅很受欢迎。	Zhè ge cāntīng hěn shòu huānyíng.	This restaurant is very popular.

哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) Examples

This table demonstrates how to use ‘哪一个 (nǎ yī ge)’ to ask “which one?” in various situations.

Sentence	Pinyin	English Translation
你喜欢哪一个？	Nǐ xǐhuān nǎ yī ge?	Which one do you like?
哪一个人是你的老师？	Nǎ yī ge rén shì nǐ de lǎoshī?	Which person is your teacher?
哪一个更好？	Nǎ yī ge gèng hǎo?	Which one is better?
你要哪一个？	Nǐ yào nǎ yī ge?	Which one do you want?
哪一个是最贵的？	Nǎ yī ge shì zuì guì de?	Which one is the most expensive?
哪一个是你的？	Nǎ yī ge shì nǐ de?	Which one is yours?
哪一个最便宜？	Nǎ yī ge zuì piányi?	Which one is the cheapest?
哪一个最漂亮？	Nǎ yī ge zuì piàoliang?	Which one is the most beautiful?
哪一个最实用？	Nǎ yī ge zuì shíyòng?	Which one is the most practical?
哪一个最安全？	Nǎ yī ge zuì ānquán?	Which one is the safest?
哪一个最有趣？	Nǎ yī ge zuì yǒuqù?	Which one is the most interesting?
哪一个最重要？	Nǎ yī ge zuì zhòngyào?	Which one is the most important?
哪一个最方便？	Nǎ yī ge zuì fāngbiàn?	Which one is the most convenient?
哪一个最受欢迎？	Nǎ yī ge zuì shòu huānyíng?	Which one is the most popular?
哪一个最合适？	Nǎ yī ge zuì héshì?	Which one is the most suitable?
哪一个最划算？	Nǎ yī ge zuì huásuàn?	Which one is the most cost-effective?
哪一个最可靠？	Nǎ yī ge zuì kěkào?	Which one is the most reliable?
哪一个最有效？	Nǎ yī ge zuì yǒuxiào?	Which one is the most effective?
哪一个最环保？	Nǎ yī ge zuì huánbǎo?	Which one is the most environmentally friendly?
哪一个最健康？	Nǎ yī ge zuì jiànkāng?	Which one is the healthiest?

那些 (nà xiē) Examples

This table illustrates the usage of ‘那些 (nà xiē)’, which means “those” (plural). It’s used when referring to multiple distant or previously mentioned items.

Sentence	Pinyin	English Translation
我要那些。	Wǒ yào nà xiē.	I want those.
那些人是我的朋友。	Nà xiē rén shì wǒ de péngyou.	Those people are my friends.
你喜欢那些吗？	Nǐ xǐhuān nà xiē ma?	Do you like those?
那些东西多少钱？	Nà xiē dōngxī duōshao qián?	How much are those things?
那些地方很漂亮。	Nà xiē dìfang hěn piàoliang.	Those places are very beautiful.
那些颜色很鲜艳。	Nà xiē yánsè hěn xiānyàn.	Those colors are very bright.
那些房间很舒服。	Nà xiē fángjiān hěn shūfu.	Those rooms are very comfortable.
那些饭馆很好吃。	Nà xiē fànguǎn hěn hǎochī.	Those restaurants are very delicious.
那些工作很有挑战性。	Nà xiē gōngzuò hěn yǒu tiǎozhànxìng.	Those jobs are very challenging.
那些问题很简单。	Nà xiē wèntí hěn jiǎndān.	Those questions are very simple.
那些电影很好看。	Nà xiē diànyǐng hěn hǎokàn.	Those movies are very good.
那些书很有用。	Nà xiē shū hěn yǒuyòng.	Those books are very useful.
那些故事很感人。	Nà xiē gùshì hěn gǎnrén.	Those stories are very touching.
那些计划很完美。	Nà xiē jìhuà hěn wánměi.	Those plans are very perfect.
那些方法很有效。	Nà xiē fāngfǎ hěn yǒuxiào.	Those methods are very effective.
那些决定很明智。	Nà xiē juédìng hěn míngzhì.	Those decisions are very wise.
那些消息很令人高兴。	Nà xiē xiāoxi hěn lìng rén gāoxìng.	Those news items are very pleasing.
那些机会很难得。	Nà xiē jīhuì hěn nándé.	Those opportunities are rare.
那些结果很令人满意。	Nà xiē jiéguǒ hěn lìng rén mǎnyì.	Those results are very satisfactory.
那些城市很现代化。	Nà xiē chéngshì hěn xiàndàihuà.	Those cities are very modern.
那些学校很有名。	Nà xiē xuéxiào hěn yǒumíng.	Those schools are very famous.
那些餐厅很受欢迎。	Nà xiē cāntīng hěn shòu huānyíng.	Those restaurants are very popular.

Usage Rules

Several key rules govern the proper usage of “that one” in Chinese:

1. Measure Word Agreement: Ensure that the measure word used corresponds correctly with the noun it modifies. While 个 (ge) is a general-purpose measure word, specific nouns require specific measure words. For example, you would use 本 (běn) for books (那本书 – nà běn shū – that book) and 张 (zhāng) for flat objects like paper (那张纸 – nà zhāng zhǐ – that sheet of paper).
2. Contextual Clarity: The noun can be omitted if the context is clear. For instance, if you are pointing at a specific object and saying “我要那个 (wǒ yào nà ge),” the listener understands that you want “that one” you are pointing to.
3. Proximity: Use 那个 (nà ge) for items or people that are further away or have been previously discussed. Use 这个 (zhè ge) for items or people that are closer to the speaker.
4. Dialectal Variations: Be aware of regional pronunciations like 内个 (nèi ge) and 讷个 (nè ge). While these are acceptable in some regions, stick to 那个 (nà ge) for standard Mandarin.
5. Questioning: Use 哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) when asking someone to choose or specify which one they are referring to.
6. Plurality: Use 那些 (nà xiē) when referring to multiple items that are “that” (distant or previously mentioned).

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “that one” in Chinese:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
我要那。	我要那个。	The measure word 个 (ge) is necessary when referring to a specific item.
那个人是我的朋友，这个是我的老师。	那个人是我的朋友，这个人是我的 老师。	Use 这个 (zhè ge) to refer to someone or something nearby, contrasting with 那个 (nà ge) for someone or something further away.
我要那本书。	我要那本。	If the noun is understood from context, you can omit it, but keep the correct measure word.
哪个？	哪一个？	When asking “which one?”, use 哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) instead of just 哪个 (nǎ ge) for clarity, especially when options are distinct.
那些人是我的朋友，这些是我的家人。	那些人是我的朋友，这些人是我的家人。	Use 这些 (zhè xiē) to refer to multiple people or things nearby, contrasting with 那些 (nà xiē) for those further away.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct expression.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider the following nuances:

• Subtleties in Tone: The tone and context can subtly alter the meaning. For example, using a questioning tone with 那个 can imply doubt or skepticism.
• Literary Usage: In classical Chinese or more formal writing, different demonstrative pronouns and measure words might be preferred.
• Regional Slang: Explore regional slang variations beyond 内个 and 讷个 for a deeper understanding of spoken Chinese.
• Combining with Adjectives: Practice using descriptive adjectives with 那个, 这个, and 那些 to create more vivid and detailed descriptions. For example, “那个漂亮的女孩 (nà ge piàoliang de nǚhái)” – “that beautiful girl.”

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering the art of saying “that one” in Chinese involves understanding the nuances of demonstrative pronouns, measure words, and contextual usage. By learning the differences between 那个, 这个, 哪一个, and 那些, and by avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in Chinese.

Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to native speakers, and embrace the subtleties of the language. With dedication and effort, you’ll confidently navigate conversations and express yourself with precision and clarity.