means "this" and always has a noun after it:
is "this book". It points at something near you, the speaker.
It is one of a set of four:
- – this …, near the speaker
- – that …, near the listener
- – that … over there, away from both
- – which …
An adjective goes between and the noun.
。
This big bag is expensive.
この or その
The word changes with the speaker. What is to you is to the person facing you.
この or これ
stands alone, the way "this one" does.
cannot: it needs its noun.
。
This book is interesting.
- × これ本は面白いです → この本は面白いです
- × このは面白いです → これは面白いです
Usage notes
These go beyond pointing at a thing you can see.
Something you are talking about
also points at something you have just brought up or are about to explain, even when there is nothing to point at.
Set expressions
(around here),
(near here),
and
(the other day),
(these days).
。
Is there a convenience store around here?
、。
I met a friend the other day.
Lingaku