JLPT N5 Vocabulary – Difference between “これ” and “この”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “これ” and “この”
2. 「これ」VS「この」
3. これ
4. この
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: I don’t understand the difference between “これ” and “この”
A: Both “これ” and “この” are demonstratives that refer to something near the speaker.
More specifically, “これ” is a noun followed by a sentence, while “この” is classified as a pre-noun adjectival, which must always be followed by a noun, forming “この + noun.”
You might think you don’t need “この” since you have “これ,” but mastering both will make your conversations with Japanese speakers clearer.
これ VS この
Let’s first compare these two with examples.
Even though they use the same word, you will see that the structure of the sentences changes.
[Examples]
これは高いりんごです。
This is an expensive apple.
このりんごは高いです。
This apple is expensive.
これ (JLPT N5)
After “これ,” a sentence follows to explain what “これ” is or what kind of thing it is.
“これ” only refers to things and cannot be used for people.
For example, in Example ①, both the speaker and the listener are looking at the same thing, so they understand what “これ” refers to.
However, in Example ②, if the listener cannot see anything, they won’t understand what “これ” refers to.
[Example ①]
これはりんごです。
This is an apple.
[Example ②]
これはおいしいです。
This is delicious.
Additionally, “これ” is typically followed by a particle. Depending on the content of the sentence, the particle can change, such as “これは,” “これが,” “これに,” “これを,” “これで,” “これも,” or “これか.”
[Examples]
これがすきです。
I like this.
これに名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on this.
これをください。
This one, please.
これでいいですか？
Is this okay?
これも買いましょう。
Let’s buy this too.
これかこれだと、どっちがいいですか？
Between this and this, which one is better?
この＋ Noun (JLPT N5)
Immediately following “この” is a noun, and a sentence explaining that noun follows.
Because the noun is placed at the beginning of the sentence, the content becomes clear and emphasized.
Be careful not to use “この” with particles, such as “このは…”
Now, let’s look at some example sentences.
In example ①, by saying “このりんご,” it becomes clear what is being referred to.
In example ②, even if the listener cannot see the fish, it is clear that the speaker is talking about a fish.
[Example ①]
このりんごは高いです。
This apple is expensive.
[Example ②]
この魚はおいしいです。
This fish is delicious.
Additionally, using “この ＋ Noun” is more effective in places with many products, such as a store, because it makes the noun clear and easier for the other person to understand.
[Example ①]
客：これ、ください。
Customer: This one, please.
店員：（客が指す写真をみて）チーズバーガーセットでよろしいでしょうか。
Waiter: (looking at the photo the customer is pointing to) Would you like the cheeseburger set?
[Example ②]
客：このチーズバーガーセットをください。
Customer: I’ll have this cheeseburger set, please.
店員：はい、チーズバーガーセットですね。
Clerk: Sure, the cheeseburger set, right?
Summary
これ
- A sentence explaining “これ” follows after “これ.”
- A particle typically follows it.
この
- Immediately after “この,” a noun is used, followed by a sentence that explains it.
- A particle does not follow it.
- “The use of “この” makes the sentence clearer and easier to understand than “これ.”
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. これ
これはアメリカの車です。
This is an American car.
*The particle “は” follows, so “これ” is correct.
A. この
このくつがほしいです。
I want these shoes.
*The noun “くつ” follows, so “この” is correct.
A. これ
これはいくらですか。
How much is this?
*The particle “は” follows, so “これ” is used.
A. この
このマンガはとてもおもしろいです。
This manga is very interesting.
*The noun “マンガ” follows, so “この” is correct.
Your explanations are very clear and helpful. 感謝します。
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear that you found it helpful. Keep up the great work with your studies!
I’ll keep this in mind!
Glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions.
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Thanks for the great explanation! The examples make it easy to understand.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for the helpful post!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Very clear and precise. I appreciate your work!
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear that it was helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything else.