これ／それ／あれ／どれ
Grammar Pattern
this; that; that over there; which one
これ／それ／あれ／どれ
this; that; that over there; which one
Explanation
These words are demonstrative pronouns used to refer to objects.
これ refers to something close to the speaker.
それ refers to something close to the listener.
あれ refers to something far from both the speaker and the listener.
どれ is used to ask which item is being referred to when there are multiple options.
These words replace a noun and can stand alone in a sentence.
Formation
Demonstrative pronoun + は + predicate
Demonstrative pronoun + です
Demonstrative pronoun + ですか
Usage Notes
These forms are used for objects, not for people who are present or within earshot.
When referring to people, noun phrases or names are preferred instead.
The choice between これ・それ・あれ depends on relative physical or psychological distance, not ownership.
どれ is used when selecting from three or more items.
Parts of Speech
Noun