JLPT N5 Vocabulary – The 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. Comments
Q: I don’t understand the difference between “これ” and “この”
A: Both “これ” and “この” are words used to point to something near the speaker. However, there is a difference: “これ” can be used by itself, while “この” must be used with a noun after it.
Let’s take a closer look.
これ VS この
Let’s compare these two words with an example. Even when using the same word, you can see that the structure of the sentence 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.
In the first sentence, “これ” is used as a noun and the sentence takes the form “これは〜です.” The sentence that follows explains what “これ” is.
In the second sentence, the noun “りんご” comes after “この,” forming the phrase “このりんご.” Because of this, “りんご” becomes the subject of the sentence.
In this way, sentences using “これ” and sentences using “この + noun” can express the same meaning, but the structure of the sentence changes slightly.
これ (JLPT N5)
After “これ,” a sentence follows to explain what “これ” is or what kind of thing it is.
Also, “これ” is a word used to refer to things, so it cannot be used for people. Be careful about this point.
For example, in situation ①, if the speaker and the listener are looking at the same object, it is easy to understand what “これ” refers to. However, in situation ②, if the listener cannot see anything, it may be unclear 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.
In addition, “これ” is usually followed by a particle. The particle changes depending on the meaning of the sentence, such as “これは,” “これが,” “これに,” “これを,” “これで,” “これも,” and “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)
After “この,” a noun immediately follows. Then a sentence comes after it to explain that noun. By using the structure “この + noun,” it becomes clear what the speaker is talking about.
Also, “この” is a prenominal modifier, so it cannot be directly followed by a particle like “このは….” It must always be used with a noun after it.
Let’s look at some examples.
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, saying “この魚” makes it 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.
Because the noun is clearly stated, using “この + noun” is often easier to understand in places like shops where there are many products.
[Example ①]
客：これ、ください。
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。
Customer: This one, please.
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。
店員：はい、チーズバーガーセットですね。
Customer: I’ll have this cheeseburger set, please.
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.
Similar Articles
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Your explanations are very clear and helpful. 感謝します。
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I’ll keep this in mind!
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Thanks for the great explanation! The examples make it easy to understand.
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Thanks for the helpful post!
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Very clear and precise. I appreciate your work!
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