この／その／あの／どの + noun
Grammar Pattern
this (noun); that (noun); that (noun) over there; which (noun)
この／その／あの／どの + noun
this (noun); that (noun); that (noun) over there; which (noun)
Explanation
These forms are demonstrative modifiers used directly before a noun.
この refers to a noun close to the speaker.
その refers to a noun close to the listener.
あの refers to a noun far from both the speaker and the listener.
どの is used to ask which specific noun is being referred to.
Unlike これ・それ・あれ・どれ, these forms must be followed by a noun and cannot stand alone.
Formation
Demonstrative modifier + noun
Usage Notes
These forms always modify a noun and cannot be used by themselves.
The choice between この・その・あの depends on relative distance from the speaker and listener.
どの is used when choosing among multiple known options.
These forms can be used for both objects and people.
Parts of Speech
Noun
Auxiliary