A没有B那么 vs A没有B这么: choosing the right demonstrative in negative comparisons
Both A没有B那么… and A没有B这么… mean “A is not as … as B,” but the choice of 那么 (distal) vs 这么 (proxial) reflects the speaker’s stance. Use 那么 when B is a distant, known, or asserted standard; use 这么 when B is immediately present, just observed, or the basis of a current evaluation. The proximal form 这么 often adds a sense of direct comparison or surprise.
The patterns A没有B那么… and A没有B这么… both express that A does not reach the degree of adjective shown by B. The demonstrative 那么 is distal: it refers to a standard that is known, established, or not physically close to the speaker (e.g., a typical property, something said before, a general expectation). The proximal 这么 refers to a standard that is immediate: something the speaker sees or hears at the moment, or a quality that is directly observable in the current context. Choosing the wrong one can change the nuance from “it is not as … as that (general standard)” to “it is not as … as this (right here in front of me).” In negative comparisons, 这么 can also carry a tone of mild surprise or emphasis.
When to use each
Use 那么 when the standard B is a known fact, a general truth, or something distant from the speaker’s immediate situation. For example, when comparing to a typical property (“this room isn’t as big as that one (everyone knows)”) or to a standard mentioned earlier. 那么 is the neutral, default choice when no immediate proximity is implied.
Because 那么 refers outward, it can also be used when B is hypothetical or abstract, as long as it is not being physically pointed to in the current context.
Use 这么 when the standard B is present, just observed, or the basis of a current evaluation. Often the speaker sees or hears B directly and compares it to A on the spot. 这么 also works when B has just been mentioned and the speaker is referring to it as a freshly introduced measure.
这么 often adds a sense of immediacy or emphasis. For example, “今天没有昨天那么冷” (today isn’t as cold as yesterday – neutral fact) vs “今天没有昨天这么冷” (today isn’t as cold as yesterday – maybe you feel yesterday’s cold as a reference point). In some contexts, 这么 can sound more emotional or surprised.
At a glance
| A没有B那么… | A没有B这么… | |
|---|---|---|
| Reference type | Distal / known / general standard | Proximal / immediate / observed standard |
| Distance from speaker | Not necessarily physically close; can be abstract or mentioned earlier | Physically present or just mentioned in the same conversation |
| Typical context | Comparisons to norms, stereotypes, past events, or measured quantities | Comparisons to what is seen/heard now, current examples, or live demonstrations |
| Tone/emphasis | Neutral, informative | Can be more vivid, subjective, or surprised |
Examples
- A没有B那么…这个房间没有那个房间那么大。Zhège fángjiān méiyǒu nàge fángjiān nàme dà.This room is not as big as that room.Uses 那么 because 'that room' is distal (known from earlier context).
- A没有B这么…这个苹果没有那个苹果这么红。Zhège píngguǒ méiyǒu nàge píngguǒ zhème hóng.This apple is not as red as that apple (right here).Uses 这么 because the speaker is holding or pointing to 'that apple' physically close, making it proximal.
- A没有B那么…他的中文没有我那么好。Tā de Zhōngwén méiyǒu wǒ nàme hǎo.His Chinese is not as good as mine.The standard 'mine' is known knowledge; 那么 is neutral.
- A没有B这么…今天没有昨天这么冷，我觉得很舒服。Jīntiān méiyǒu zuótiān zhème lěng, wǒ juéde hěn shūfu.Today isn’t as cold as yesterday, I feel very comfortable.Uses 这么 because the speaker is experiencing today’s weather and comparing it directly to yesterday’s vivid memory (proximal in mind).
- A没有B那么…这个城市的交通没有上海那么拥挤。Zhège chéngshì de jiāotōng méiyǒu Shànghǎi nàme yōngjǐ.This city’s traffic is not as congested as Shanghai’s.Shanghai is a known standard; 那么 is correct. ✗ Using 这么 here would imply Shanghai is being directly referenced physically, which is unnatural unless Shanghai is just being discussed.
- A没有B这么…他的汉语没有他妹妹这么流利。Tā de Hànyǔ méiyǒu tā mèimei zhème liúlì.His Chinese is not as fluent as his sister’s (right here, talking to her).The sister is present or just referred to; 这么 conveys immediacy.
Common mistakes
- Using 这么 for a general, distant standard (e.g., 'China is not as big as Russia' → 没有俄罗斯那么大, not 这么).
- Using 那么 when the standard is physically present and being directly observed (e.g., holding two apples and comparing → should use 这么 for the one in hand).
- Assuming 这么 only works with physically close objects; it also works with recently mentioned concepts when the speaker feels them as immediate.
- Overusing 这么 in all negative comparisons, which may sound too emotional or imprecise.
FAQ
- When do I use A没有B那么 vs A没有B这么?
- Use 那么 when the standard B is remote, known, or general. Use 这么 when B is present, just observed, or the basis of a current comparison. The key is whether the speaker considers B as 'out there' (那么) or 'right here' (这么).
- Can I use 这么 even if B is not physically close?
- Yes, if the standard is mentally immediate—for example, something just said, a memory strongly felt, or a quality being pointed out in the current conversation. The distinction is more about the speaker's psychological distance than literal distance.
- Is 这么 in negative comparisons always more emotional?
- Often, but not always. It naturally adds a sense of direct comparison, which can sound more engaged or even surprised. In everyday speech, 那么 is more common; 这么 is used when the speaker wants to emphasize the reference point.