For HSK 2 learners, moving from simple words to full sentences often hits a roadmap block: describing where things are.
You know how to say "I go to school," but can you point to a map and say, "The restaurant is here, not there"?
Mastering the demonstrative pronouns 这 (Zhè) and 那 (Nà) is not just about vocabulary—it is about spatial awareness. In the HSK Listening exam, these two words (and their tricky cousin "Nǎ") often determine whether you correctly identify the answer to a question.
In this deep dive, we will clarify the Northern vs. Southern usages, solve the tone mysteries, and provide the essential sentence structures you need to pass HSK Level 2.
1. The Core Concepts: Proximity vs. Distance
In Chinese, spatial relations function similarly to English, divided by distance from the speaker.
这 (Zhè) - The "Close" One
- Meaning: This / Here
- Pronunciation: Zhè (4th Tone). Note: In rapid spoken Beijing dialect, it often sounds like "Zhèi".
那 (Nà) - The "Far" One
- Meaning: That / There
- Pronunciation: Nà (4th Tone).
The Regional Split: ‘Er’ vs. ‘Li’
You will hear two different ways to turn "This" into "Here." HSK exams use both, so you must recognize both synonyms.
| Location | Northern Accent (Erhua) | Southern/Standard (Formal) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Here | 这儿 (Zhèr) | 这里 (Zhèlǐ) | The place closest to the speaker |
| There | 那儿 (Nàr) | 那里 (Nàlǐ) | A place distant from the speaker |
HSK Study Tip: If you find pronouncing the "R" sound (Erhua) difficult, stick to saying Zhèlǐ and Nàlǐ when speaking. It is universally understood and easier for foreign tongues. However, you must train your ears to hear "Zhèr" for the listening test.
2. The #1 HSK Trap: The Battle of Nà vs. Nǎ
This is the most common mistake for beginners. The character for "That" and "Which/Where" look almost identical, but the tone changes the meaning entirely.
- 那 (Nà - 4th Tone): That / There. (Statement)
- Example: 它是那个 (It is that one).
- 哪 (Nǎ - 3rd Tone): Which / Where? (Question)
- Example: 你在哪儿？ (Where are you?)
- Visual Tip: Notice the explicit "Mouth" radical (口) on the left of 哪. This implies asking a question.
If you mess up the tone, you might confuse a statement for a question. Practice this drill:
- Q: 你去哪儿? (Nǐ qù nǎr?) - Where are you going?
- A: 我去那儿。 (Wǒ qù nàr.) - I am going there.
For more on asking questions, review our guide on common Chinese question words.
3. Essential Grammar: The Mandatory Measure Word
A golden rule in HSK 2: When 这 (zhè) or 那 (nà) is followed directly by a noun, you usually cannot connect them directly. You need a bridge: The Measure Word.
- Incorrect:
这人(Zhè rén) - This person. - Correct: 这个人 (Zhè ge rén) - This (unit of) person.
- Incorrect:
那书(Nà shū) - That book. - Correct: 那本书 (Nà běn shū) - That (volume of) book.
Exceptions exist (like phrases "这时候" - this moment), but for physical objects, always look for the measure word. Review specific quantifiers in our Understanding Chinese Measure Words HSK 2 Guide.
4. Compound Locations: Creating "Sides"
To pass HSK 2, you need to describe specific spots. You rarely just say "It's at that." You say "It's at that side."
We combine 这/那 with specific direction nouns.
| Compound Phrase (Pinyin) | English |
|---|---|
| 这/那里边 (lǐbiān) | In here / In there |
| 这/那边 (biān) | This side / That side |
| 这/那里头 (lǐtou) | Inside here / Inside there (Colloquial) |
| 这/那上面 (shàngmiàn) | Up here / Up there |
| 这/那下面 (xiàmiàn) | Down here / Down there |
Grammar Structure:
[Zhe/Na] + [Position Word]
- Example: 你的书在那上面。 (Your book is up there.)
Check our detailed post on usage of Chinese location words for a longer list of positions like "Pangbian" (Beside).
5. Distance Sentences: 从 (Cóng)... 到 (Dào)
This structure usually appears near the end of the HSK 2 curriculum or early HSK 3. It uses Zhe/Na to describe a route.
Structure:
从 (From) + Location A + 到 (To) + Location B + [Adjective/Verb]
- 从这儿到那儿很远。(Cóng zhèr dào nàr hěn yuǎn.)
- Meaning: From here to there is very far.
- 从这儿走。(Cóng zhèr zǒu.)
- Meaning: Go/Walk from here.
6. HSK 2 Practice Scenarios
Try to translate these common scenarios.
Scenario A: Shopping
- You: "I want to buy that shirt."
- Correction: Do not forget the measure word!
- Chinese: 我想买那件衬衫 (Wǒ xiǎng mǎi nà jiàn chènshān).
Scenario B: The Taxi Ride
- You: "Please stop here."
- Chinese: 请在这儿停 (Qǐng zài zhèr tíng).
Scenario C: Finding a Person
- You: "Who is that?"
- Chinese: 那个人是谁？ (Nà ge rén shì shéi?)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use "Zhèi" instead of "Zhè"? A: Yes! In spoken Mandarin, "Zhè ge" often merges into "Zhèi ge." It sounds more natural and native. However, when writing the exam, always identify the character as 这.
Q: Is "Zhe" singular or plural? A: "Zhe" (This) implies singular. To make it plural ("These"), you add the plural measure word "Xiē".
- These books: 这些书 (Zhè xiē shū).
- Those people: 那些人 (Nà xiē rén).
Conclusion: Precision Points the Way
The difference between a beginner and an intermediate learner is precision. Beginners point and grunt "Uhh.. that." HSK 2 students say, "Nà běn shū" (That book).
Mastering Zhe (This) and Na (That) gives you the power to define your world. Start practicing by pointing at objects in your room right now. Say aloud: "Zhè shì wǒ de diànnǎo" (This is my computer) or "Nà shì wǒ de chuáng" (That is my bed).
Next Step: Once you master location, you need to structure more complex sentences. Continue your study with our guide on Basic Chinese Sentence Structure.