When do I use 这些 vs 那些?

Use 这些 for items that are physically or mentally close to you (like 'these' in English), and 那些 for items that are farther away (like 'those'). The distance can be literal (space) or figurative (time, topic).

Can 这些 and 那些 be used without a noun?

Yes, they can stand alone as pronouns. For example: 这些是我买的 (These are what I bought) and 那些是旧的 (Those are old).

Is there a difference in tone or formality between these two?

No, both are neutral and used equally in spoken and written Chinese. Just choose based on distance.

How do I say 'these' for a single object?

For a single object near you, use 这个 (zhège 'this'). 这些 is only for plural items. Similarly, 那个 (nàge) for a single far object.

Easily confusedHSK 1

这些 vs 那些 (zhèxiē vs nàxiē): these vs those

这些 (zhèxiē) means 'these' and refers to objects or people near the speaker, while 那些 (nàxiē) means 'those' and refers to items farther away. Use them just like English 'these' and 'those' for plural nouns.

这些 and 那些 are plural demonstrative pronouns in Chinese, directly corresponding to English 'these' and 'those'. The core distinction is spatial (or temporal/psychological) distance from the speaker: 这些 indicates items that are near the speaker, while 那些 indicates items that are farther away. They are used before nouns or alone as pronouns. Unlike English, Chinese does not distinguish singular/plural in the noun itself; the demonstrative indicates plurality.

When to use each

这些zhèxiē

these

Use 这些 when referring to multiple objects, people, or concepts that are physically close to the speaker, or metaphorically close (e.g., recently mentioned topics). It functions exactly like 'these' in English.

These can also refer to items the speaker is holding or pointing to nearby.

那些nàxiē

those

Use 那些 when referring to multiple objects, people, or concepts that are physically far from the speaker, or metaphorically distant (e.g., past events, topics not immediately relevant). It functions exactly like 'those' in English.

Those can also refer to items the speaker is pointing to at a distance.

At a glance

	这些	那些
Distance from speaker	Near (proximal)	Far (distal)
English equivalent	these	those
Typical usage with nouns	这些 + noun (these books)	那些 + noun (those books)
Can stand alone as pronoun?	Yes: 这些是书 (These are books.)	Yes: 那些是笔 (Those are pens.)

Examples

这些
这些书是我的。
Zhèxiē shū shì wǒ de.
These books are mine.
The books are near the speaker.
那些
那些苹果很好吃。
Nàxiē píngguǒ hěn hǎochī.
Those apples are very tasty.
The apples are far from the speaker.
这些
这些就是你要的文件。
Zhèxiē jiù shì nǐ yào de wénjiàn.
These are the documents you want.
Referring to documents that are near or just handed over.
那些
那些同学在教室里。
Nàxiē tóngxué zài jiàoshì lǐ.
Those classmates are in the classroom.
The classmates are at a distance from the speaker.

Common mistakes

Using 这些 for far objects: e.g., saying '这些书在那里' when the books are far away – use 那些 instead.
Using 那些 for near objects: e.g., saying '那些书在我手里' when holding them – use 这些.
Confusing singular and plural: 这个 (this) vs 这些 (these). Learners may use 这些 for a single object.
Forgetting the plural marker: Use 这些/那些 instead of just 这/那 when referring to multiple items.

FAQ

When do I use 这些 vs 那些?: Use 这些 for items that are physically or mentally close to you (like 'these' in English), and 那些 for items that are farther away (like 'those'). The distance can be literal (space) or figurative (time, topic).
Can 这些 and 那些 be used without a noun?: Yes, they can stand alone as pronouns. For example: 这些是我买的 (These are what I bought) and 那些是旧的 (Those are old).
Is there a difference in tone or formality between these two?: No, both are neutral and used equally in spoken and written Chinese. Just choose based on distance.
How do I say 'these' for a single object?: For a single object near you, use 这个 (zhège 'this'). 这些 is only for plural items. Similarly, 那个 (nàge) for a single far object.