那

• Pinyin: nà
• Hanzi breakdown: 那 = 冄 (phonetic component) + 阝(city/place radical)

Meaning

That; those. A demonstrative pronoun pointing to something farther away from the speaker.

One of the most fundamental words in Chinese. The counterpart of 这 (this). Used before measure words and nouns to indicate something at a distance. Also functions as a conjunction meaning 'then' or 'in that case.'

Examples

1. 那个人是谁？ Who is that person?
2. 那是我的书。 That is my book.
3. 那你想吃什么？ Then what do you want to eat?

Usage Guide

Context: reference, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 那本书很好看。(That book is very good.)
• 那我们走吧。(Then let's go.)

Don't Say

• 那书很好。(Missing measure word — say 那本书很好; 那 usually needs a measure word before the noun)

Origin & History

An ancient demonstrative character. The traditional form includes 阝(city radical) suggesting pointing toward a distant place.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal