HSK 2 Grammar: Using 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) to Indicate Location

For HSK 2 learners, mastering the use of demonstrative pronouns 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) is crucial for describing locations accurately in Chinese. These versatile words not only help you point out objects but also play a significant role in expressing spatial relationships. Let's dive into how you can use these essential grammar elements to boost your Chinese language skills.

Understanding 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)

Before we delve into their use for indicating location, let's refresh our understanding of these demonstrative pronouns:

• 这 (zhè): This, these
• 那 (nà): That, those

In their basic form, these words are used to point out specific objects or people:

• 这是我的书。(Zhè shì wǒ de shū.) - This is my book.
• 那是他的椅子。(Nà shì tā de yǐzi.) - That is his chair.

Using 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) with Location Words

When it comes to indicating location, 这 and 那 are often combined with specific location words to create more precise spatial descriptions. Here are some common location words you'll encounter at the HSK 2 level:

• 里 (lǐ) - inside
• 外 (wài) - outside
• 上 (shàng) - on, above
• 下 (xià) - under, below
• 前 (qián) - in front
• 后 (hòu) - behind
• 旁边 (pángbiān) - beside

To use these with 这 and 那, we follow this structure:

这/那 + 个 (measure word) + noun + location word

For example:

• 这个房间里 (zhè ge fángjiān lǐ) - Inside this room
• 那个桌子上 (nà ge zhuōzi shàng) - On that table

Practical Examples in Sentences

Let's look at some complete sentences to see how these structures work in practice:

1. 我的钱包在这个包里。(Wǒ de qiánbāo zài zhè ge bāo lǐ.) My wallet is in this bag.

2. 他的车停在那个商店前。(Tā de chē tíng zài nà ge shāngdiàn qián.) His car is parked in front of that shop.

3. 猫睡在这张沙发上。(Māo shuì zài zhè zhāng shāfā shàng.) The cat is sleeping on this sofa.

4. 我们的教室在那栋楼里。(Wǒmen de jiàoshì zài nà dòng lóu lǐ.) Our classroom is in that building.

Expanding Your Usage

As you progress in your Chinese studies, you'll find that 这 and 那 can be used in more complex ways to describe location:

Combining with Directional Complements

You can add directional complements to create more specific location descriptions:

• 这里面 (zhè lǐmiàn) - Inside here
• 那上面 (nà shàngmiàn) - Up there

Example: 书在这里面。(Shū zài zhè lǐmiàn.) - The book is in here.

Using with Time Expressions

这 and 那 can also be used with time expressions to indicate proximity:

• 这个星期 (zhè ge xīngqī) - This week
• 那一天 (nà yī tiān) - That day

Example: 这个周末我们去北京。(Zhè ge zhōumò wǒmen qù Běijīng.) - We're going to Beijing this weekend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing 这里 (zhèlǐ) and 那里 (nàlǐ):

   • 这里 means "here"
   • 那里 means "there" Be careful not to mix these up when indicating general locations.

2. Forgetting the measure word: Incorrect: 这书桌上 (zhè shūzhuō shàng) Correct: 这张书桌上 (zhè zhāng shūzhuō shàng)

3. Using the wrong location word: Remember that some location words have specific uses. For example, 上 (shàng) for "on top of" and 里 (lǐ) for "inside".

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, try these exercises:

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 这 or 那:

   • _____ 间教室里有很多学生。(There are many students in this classroom.)
   • 我的铅笔在 _____ 个盒子里。(My pencil is in that box.)

2. Translate these sentences into Chinese:

   • The cat is under that chair.
   • My friend lives in this building.

3. Create two sentences using 这 and 那 with different location words.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of space and location is often viewed differently from Western perspectives. The use of 这 and 那 reflects not just physical distance, but can also indicate psychological or social distance. For example, using 这 might imply familiarity or closeness, while 那 could suggest distance or unfamiliarity.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà) for indicating location is a key skill for HSK 2 learners. It allows you to describe your surroundings more accurately and navigate conversations about place and space with greater confidence. Remember to practice these structures regularly in your speaking and writing to fully integrate them into your Chinese language toolkit.

As you continue your HSK journey, you'll find that these demonstrative pronouns become increasingly useful in more complex grammatical structures. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be using 这 and 那 as naturally as a native speaker!