this
Meaning: Used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand or being indicated
'This' is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective referring to something near the speaker in space or time, or something just mentioned. It contrasts with 'that' which refers to something more distant. 'This' is also used to introduce new topics in conversation or narrative.
Examples
- This is my favourite restaurant. 这是我最喜欢的餐厅。Este es mi restaurante favorito.ここは私のお気に入りのレストランです。여기는 제가 가장 좋아하는 레스토랑입니다.
- I have never seen anything like this before. 我以前从未见过这样的东西。Nunca había visto nada como esto antes.こんなものは今まで見たことがありません。이런 것은 지금까지 본 적이 없습니다.
- This morning I woke up early. 今天早上我起得很早。Esta mañana me desperté temprano.今朝早く起きました。오늘 아침 일찍 일어났습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'þis', the neuter form of the demonstrative pronoun. From Proto-Germanic *þat + *-si (an emphasising particle). Used to indicate something nearby, in contrast to 'that' for things further away.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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