Introduction
Already know how to say “this” and “that” in Japanese using kore（これ）, sore（それ）, and are（あれ）? Great!
The next step is learning how to say things like “this book,” “that pen,” or “which student” using:
この（kono）・その（sono）・あの（ano）・どの（dono） + noun
These words are called demonstrative adjectives. In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ The difference between kono, sono, ano, and dono
✔ Sentence examples using real vocabulary
✔ Mini conversation practice
Let’s jump in and point to things like a native!
1. What Are この・その・あの・どの？
These are Japanese adjectives that come before a noun, and they help describe which thing you’re talking about.
| Word | Meaning | Use When… |
|---|---|---|
| この (kono) | this + Noun | Near you (the speaker) |
| その (sono) | that + Noun | Near the listener |
| あの (ano) | that (over there) + Noun | Far from both |
| どの (dono) | which + Noun | When asking a question |
Examples:
- この とけい (this watch)
- その かばん (that bag)
- あの がくせい (that student over there)
- どの じてんしゃ？ (which bicycle?)
2. Key Grammar: These Words Always Need a Noun
Unlike kore（これ）, sore（それ）, are（あれ）, and dore（どれ）, these words cannot stand alone.
- Wrong: ❌ この は たかい。
- Correct: ✅ この とけい は たかい。 → “This watch is expensive.”
or これ は たかい。 → “This (watch) is expensive.”
この・その・あの・どの + [noun] is the only correct format!
3. Real-Life Examples
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| この かばん は 6000えん です。 | Kono kaban wa rokusen en desu. | This bag is 6000 yen. |
| あの ほん は いくら ですか？ | Ano hon wa ikura desu ka? | How much is that book over there? |
| どの がくせい が にほんじん ですか？ | Dono gakusei ga nihonjin desu ka? | Which student is Japanese? |
| その とけい は 3000えん です。 | Sono tokei wa sanzen en desu. | That watch is 3000 yen. |
4. Quick Reference Chart
| Distance | Pronoun (no noun needed) | Adjective (needs a noun) |
|---|---|---|
| Near speaker | これ (kore) | この (kono) + Noun |
| Near listener | それ (sore) | その (sono) + Noun |
| Far from both | あれ (are) | あの (ano) + Noun |
| Question | どれ (dore) | どの (dono) + Noun |
💡 Remember: この = “this [thing]” but only works with a noun!
5. Practice Time: Translate These!
1️⃣ This pen
→ この ペン
2️⃣ That notebook (near the listener)
→ その ノート
3️⃣ That wallet (over there)
→ あの さいふ
4️⃣ Which T-shirt?
→ どの Tシャツ？
6. Conversation Practice
Satoko amd Yuji are shopping and talk with a store clerk:
この かばんは いくら ですか。
(How much is this bag?)
その かばん は よんせん えん です。
(That bag is 4000 yen.)
あの とけい は いくら ですか？
(How much is that watch over there?)
どの とけい ですか。
(Which watch?)
この とけい です。
(This watch.)
その とけい は ごせん えん です。
(That watch is 5000 yen.)
7. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- QWhat’s the difference between “kore” and “kono”?
- A
- kore means “this” and is used alone: これは とけい です。
- kono means “this _” and must come before a noun: この とけい は たかい です。
- QCan I use “kono,” “sono,” etc. with people?
- A
Yes! You can say:
- この ひと (this person)
- その がくせい (that student)
- どの せんせい (which teacher?)
- QWhat’s the difference between “sono” and “ano”?
- A
- その → near the listener
- あの → far from both people
Example:
- (In a shop) Customer points to a bag near the staff → その かばん
- Bag is across the room → あの かばん
8. Conclusion: Pointing Made Easy!
Now you can confidently say “this book,” “that pen,” or “which student?” in Japanese using:
✅ この・その・あの・どの + Noun
These little words go a long way in everyday conversations — especially when shopping, asking questions, or describing things.
Want to improve your Japanese with real conversations?
Our native Japanese instructors at gokigen japanese can help you perfect your pronunciation and learn real-life usage.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese or looking to refine your skills, book a one-on-one session.
