Basic Meaning and Usage
The character 那 (nà) is primarily used as a demonstrative pronoun meaning "that" or "those," referring to something or someone distant from the speaker. It can point to objects, people, or times previously mentioned or understood from context.
Common Contexts
- Demonstrative Pronoun for Objects or People: Used to specify something or someone away from the speaker, e.g., 那本书 (that book), 那个人 (that person).
- Temporal Reference: It can indicate a past time, as in 那时候 (at that time).
Collocations and Patterns
- 那 + noun: To specify a particular object or person (那本书, 那个人).
- 那时候: Refers to a specific past time.
- 你看那 + noun: Used to draw attention to something or someone.
Usage Notes
- 那 is often contrasted with 这 (zhè), meaning "this," which refers to something near the speaker.
- In spoken Mandarin, 那 can also function as a discourse marker meaning "then" or "so," but this usage is pronounced with a neutral tone (na) and is different from the demonstrative 那 (nà).
- Avoid confusing the surname 那 (nā) with the demonstrative 那 (nà); the surname is rare and pronounced with a high-level tone.
Understanding 那 in its demonstrative role helps learners specify and refer to distant objects, people, or times naturally in conversation.