Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'that' with 那 (nà)

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    那 + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    那 (nà) is a demonstrative pronoun and determiner meaning "that," used to point to something farther from the speaker. It is one of the most fundamental words in Chinese and is paired with measure words when modifying nouns.

    Examples

    • 那本书是谁的？

      nà běn shū shì shéi de?

      Whose book is that?

    • 你看那边，那个穿红衣服的人是我同事。

      nǐ kàn nàbiān, nà ge chuān hóng yīfu de rén shì wǒ tóngshì.

      Look over there, the person wearing red is my colleague.

    • 那家餐厅的菜很好吃，下次我们一起去。

      nà jiā cāntīng de cài hěn hǎochī, xià cì wǒmen yìqǐ qù.

      The food at that restaurant is delicious; let's go together next time.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'that' with 那 (nà) | Chinese Grammar