这些

• Pinyin: zhè xiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 这 = this; 些 = 此 (this) + 二 (two) — some, a few

Meaning

These. The plural form of 这, referring to multiple things near the speaker.

Formed from 这 (this) + 些 (some/several). Used to indicate more than one item close to the speaker. Unlike 这 which requires a measure word, 这些 can directly precede a noun: 这些人 (these people), 这些书 (these books).

Examples

1. 这些苹果都很甜。 These apples are all very sweet.
2. 这些是你的衣服吗？ Are these your clothes?
3. 我想买这些东西。 I want to buy these things.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这些花真好看。(These flowers are really pretty.)
• 你认识这些人吗？(Do you know these people?)

Don't Say

• 这些个书。(Don't add a measure word after 这些 — say 这些书, not 这些个书)

Origin & History

Compound of 这 (this) + 些 (some). 些 contains 此 (this) and 二 (two), suggesting a small number or quantity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal