それ

• Reading: それ
• Romaji: sore
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾe/

Meaning

That; it. A demonstrative pronoun for things near the listener or previously mentioned.

The 'so' member of the ko-so-a-do pronoun series. Points to objects near the listener or references something already mentioned in conversation. Unlike その (which modifies nouns), それ stands alone. それから means 'after that/and then,' それに means 'moreover,' それで means 'so/therefore.'

Examples

1. それはいくらですか。 How much is that?
2. それはいい考えですね。 That's a good idea.
3. それを見せてもらえますか。 Could you show me that?

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, shopping, reference

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the ancient Japanese demonstrative system. The 'so' prefix indicates proximity to the listener or anaphoric reference, combined with the pronoun base れ.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal