この/その/あの

この/その/あの is a particle that functions as a this/that demonstrative in Japanese sentences. Particles are the building blocks of Japanese grammar — small words that define the grammatical relationship between other words. Mastering この/その/あの is essential for constructing correct and natural-sounding sentences.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

When to Use#

• When pointing to or identifying specific objects or people
• When referencing something previously mentioned in conversation

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• この教科書は難しいです。 — This textbook is difficult.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Omitting この/その/あの in contexts where it's required — While particles can sometimes be dropped in very casual speech, omitting この/その/あの in the wrong context changes the meaning or sounds ungrammatical.