これ

これ is a **demonstrative pronoun** meaning "this" or "this one." It refers to something that is **physically or conceptually close to the speaker**. It is part of the こそあど (ko-so-a-do) system of demonstratives in Japanese:

• これ – this (near the speaker)
• それ – that (near the listener)
• あれ – that over there (far from both)
• どれ – which one? (question)

これ is a **pronoun**, meaning it stands on its own and replaces a noun. It should not be confused with この, which is a **pre-noun modifier** that must be followed by a noun (e.g. このほん本 "this book").

Basic usage

Use これ to point to or identify something near you.

Identifying things

これ is used when introducing or identifying objects, food, people (in photos), and more.

これ with particles

Since これ functions as a noun, it can be used with various particles like を, が, and も.

これ vs. この

Remember: これ replaces a noun entirely, while この modifies a noun that follows it.

• これはほん本です。 – "This is a book." (これ = pronoun)
• このほん本はおもしろい面白い。 – "This book is interesting." (この = modifier + noun)