これ、あれ、それ (This, That, These, Those): 指示代名詞
singular)か「たくさん」(plural)かで使い分けます。
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'this' and 'these' for things close to you, and 'that' and 'those' for things further away.
- Use 'this' for one thing nearby: 'This apple is sweet.'
- Use 'that' for one thing far away: 'That car is fast.'
- Use 'these' (near) and 'those' (far) for more than one item: 'Those stars are bright.'
Overview
this, that, these, those の4つの言葉は、日常会話のあらゆる場面で登場します。コンビニでの買い物、会社でのプレゼン、SNSでの写真紹介など、使いこなせると世界が広がります。最初は「複数形」などの英語特有のルールに戸惑うかもしれませんが、実はとてもシンプルな法則に基づいています。一緒に楽しく学んでいきましょう!- Near(近い): 自分の手に持っているもの、すぐ目の前にあるもの、あるいは心理的に身近に感じていること。
- Far(遠い): 手が届かない場所にあるもの、あちら側に見えるもの、あるいは過去のことなど心理的に距離があること。
this)」「それ以外か(that)」の2区分で考えます。日本語の「それ」と「あれ」は、英語ではどちらも that になることが多い、と覚えておくとスムーズですよ。- Singular(単数): 対象が1つ、または1人の場合。
- Plural(複数): 対象が2つ以上、または2人以上の場合。
this (これ/この) | these (これら/これらの) |that (あれ・それ/あの・その) | those (あれら・それら/あのら・そのら) |- 1代名詞として使う(「これ」「あれ」と単独で使う)
This is my pen.(これは私のペンです。)That is a tall building.(あれは高いビルです。)These are my friends.(これらは私の友人たちです。)Those are beautiful flowers.(あれらは美しい花ですね。)
- 1形容詞として使う(「この本」「あの人」と名詞を修飾する)
I like this book.(私はこの本が好きです。)Do you know that person?(あの人を知っていますか?)These shoes are new.(これらの靴は新しいです。)Look at those stars.(あの星(たち)を見てください。)
is や are)も使い分ける必要があります。this/thatの後はis(単数形)these/thoseの後はare(複数形)
This is... と These are... というように、リズムが変わることに注意してください。これが英語らしい「一致」というルールです。I'll have this. (これにします)と言ったり、少し離れたショーケースのケーキを指して Can I have that cake? (あのケーキをいただけますか?)と言ったりします。this を使います。たとえ目上の人であっても This is my boss, Mr. Tanaka. (こちらは上司の田中です)と言います。日本語の「こちらは〜」に近いニュアンスです。I am... ではなく this を使うのが一般的です。Hello, this is Ken.(もしもし、ケンです。)
that を使い、Is that Emily? (エミリーさんですか?)と聞きます。これは「受話器越し」という物理的な距離感があるためです。- 現在に近い時間:
this morning(今朝)、this week(今週) - 過去や未来の離れた時間:
that day(あの日)、that year(あの年)
That was fun. となります。今まさに楽しんでいるなら This is fun! です。That's a great idea! と言います。相手の発言は、自分から少し離れたところにある情報なので that を使うのが自然です。逆に、自分が今から話そうとすることを指して This is the plan. (これが計画です)と言うこともあります。this ですべてを済ませてしまいがちです。- 間違い:
This are my books. - 正しい:
These are my books. - 解説: 指している対象が
books(複数)であれば、必ずtheseを使い、動詞もareに合わせなければなりません。英語は「数」に対して非常に潔癖な言語だと考えてください。
it だけで訳してしまうit と出てくることが多いですが、何かを指し示している場合は that を使うのが適切です。- 間違い: (遠くの車を指して)
Look at it car! - 正しい:
Look at that car! - 解説:
itは「そのもの(すでに話題に出たもの)」を指しますが、物理的に指し示す(Pointing)力はありません。新しく何かを指し示すときはthatを使いましょう。
- 間違い:
Is my bag. - 正しい:
This is my bag. - 解説: 日本語は主語を省略するのが得意な言語(プロドロップ言語)ですが、英語では
ThisやThatをしっかり主語として立てる必要があります。文の形を整える意識を持ちましょう。
this / that とよく混同される it や、場所を表す here / there との違いを整理します。this / that | 指し示す (Pointing) | 新しい情報を「これ!」「あれ!」と特定して注意を引く。 |it | 受ける (Referring) | すでに会話に出てきたものについて「例のそれはね…」と繰り返す。 |here / there | 場所を示す (Location) | 物ではなく「場所」に焦点を当てる。「ここに」「あそこに」。 |This is a pen.((初めて見せて)これはペンです。)I bought a pen. It is red.(ペンを買いました。(そのペンは)赤色です。)The pen is here.(ペンはここにあります。)
this と it の使い分けは、初級者が中級者にステップアップするための大きな壁です。最初は「指をさしているかどうか」で判断してみてください。this ですか? that ですか?that を使います。英語の this はあくまで「自分のテリトリー(パーソナルスペース)」にあるものを指します。相手が持っているものは自分から離れているので、日本語で「これ」と言いたくなる場面でも、英語では that を使うのが自然です。these や those の発音が難しいです。コツはありますか?these [ðiːz] は「ズ」という濁る音で終わります。一方、this [ðɪs] は「ス」という音です。また、those [ðoʊz] も最後は濁ります。日本語の「ジーズ」「ゾーズ」に近いですが、舌の先を軽く前歯で噛むようにして「ズー」と響かせると、より英語らしく聞こえますよ。This is delicious! と言います。今まさに自分が食べている(自分のテリトリーにある)ものなので this を使います。食べ終わった後に「あれ、美味しかったね」と思い出すときは That was delicious! になります。these / those を使わなきゃダメですか?this, that, these, those は、英語の世界を歩くための「杖」のようなものです。これらを使って、身の回りのものをどんどん指し示してみてください。最初は間違えても大丈夫。英語の「距離」と「数」の感覚に慣れていくことで、あなたの英語はより確かなものになっていきます。頑張りましょう!The Demonstrative Grid
| Distance | Singular (1) | Plural (2+) |
|---|---|---|
|
Near (Close)
|
This
|
These
|
|
Far (Distant)
|
That
|
Those
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
That is
|
That's
|
Very common in speech
|
|
This is
|
None
|
Rarely contracted in writing
|
|
These are
|
None
|
Never contracted
|
|
Those are
|
None
|
Never contracted
|
Meanings
Words used to point to specific people or things in relation to the speaker in space or time.
Physical Distance
Pointing to objects based on their physical proximity to the speaker.
“This chair is comfortable.”
“That mountain is very high.”
Time Reference
Referring to events happening now or in the past/future.
“This week is very busy.”
“That was a great party last night.”
Introduction/Identification
Identifying people or things, often on the phone or when introducing someone.
“Hi, this is Sarah speaking.”
“Mom, this is my friend, Alex.”
Reference Table
| 指示語 | 数 | 距離 | 例 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
this
|
単数
|
近い
|
This is my phone.
|
|
that
|
単数
|
遠い
|
That is a bird.
|
|
these
|
複数
|
近い
|
These are my keys.
|
|
those
|
複数
|
遠い
|
Those are stars.
|
|
this (adjective)
|
単数
|
近い
|
I like this song.
|
|
those (adjective)
|
複数
|
遠い
|
Look at those trees.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
Could you tell me what this item is? (Shopping or curiosity)
What is this? (Shopping or curiosity)
What's this? (Shopping or curiosity)
What's this thingy? (Shopping or curiosity)
指示語の世界
あなたの近く
- this 単数
- these 複数
あなたから遠い
- that 単数
- those 複数
単数形 vs 複数形 比較
どの単語を使えばいい?
それはひとつだけですか?
それはあなたに近いですか?
それは近い(複数形)ですか?
現代の利用シーン
電話で
- • This is Mark speaking.
- • Who is that?
カフェで
- • I'll have this muffin.
- • That latte looks good.
SNSで
- • Look at these comments!
- • Those filters are weird.
レベル別の例文
This is my cat.
This is my cat.
That is a big tree.
That is a big tree.
These are my friends.
These are my friends.
Are those your keys?
Are those your keys?
This coffee is very hot.
This coffee is very hot.
I don't like that movie.
I don't like that movie.
These sandwiches are delicious.
These sandwiches are delicious.
Who are those people over there?
Who are those people over there?
This is exactly what I was talking about.
This is exactly what I was talking about.
That was a difficult time for everyone.
That was a difficult time for everyone.
These rules are quite confusing.
These rules are quite confusing.
Those who finish early can leave.
Those who finish early can leave.
This new policy will affect all employees.
This new policy will affect all employees.
That is a very interesting point you've raised.
That is a very interesting point you've raised.
These findings suggest a need for further research.
These findings suggest a need for further research.
Those arguments are simply not valid in this context.
Those arguments are simply not valid in this context.
This brings us to the final conclusion of the report.
This brings us to the final conclusion of the report.
That the economy is failing is a common misconception.
That the economy is failing is a common misconception.
These are not merely suggestions; they are requirements.
These are not merely suggestions; they are requirements.
Those present at the meeting agreed to the terms.
Those present at the meeting agreed to the terms.
This, then, is the crux of the matter.
This, then, is the crux of the matter.
I simply cannot stand that constant whistling of his.
I simply cannot stand that constant whistling of his.
These are but a few of the challenges we face.
These are but a few of the challenges we face.
Those were the days of wine and roses.
Those were the days of wine and roses.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'it' to point to things for the first time.
In relative clauses, learners aren't sure which one to use.
Using 'they' to point to specific objects.
よくある間違い
This books are good.
These books are good.
That is my keys.
Those are my keys.
Look at this!
Look at that!
I like these cake.
I like this cake.
In that days, life was hard.
In those days, life was hard.
Who is that?
Who is this?
This is a good news.
This is good news.
That people are waiting.
Those people are waiting.
This was a great party last week.
That was a great party last week.
Those present at the meeting was...
Those present at the meeting were...
文型パターン
Is this ___?
I like those ___.
This is my friend, ___.
That was a ___ ___.
Real World Usage
How much is this shirt?
I'll take two of those croissants, please.
Hi, this is Mark. Is that Sarah?
This experience helped me develop leadership skills.
Check out this video! That was so funny.
Go past that building and turn left.
電話のルール
複数形「S」を忘れないで
紹介する時のマナー
Smart Tips
If you are touching the item, use 'this'. If the shopkeeper has to get it for you, use 'that'.
Always use 'these are' even if you are introducing them one by one as a group.
Use 'that' to show you were listening to their past experience.
Use 'this thing' or 'that thing' while pointing. It's a perfect survival strategy!
発音
The 'TH' sound
All four words start with the voiced 'th' sound /ð/. Your tongue should be between your teeth.
This vs. These Vowels
'This' has a short /ɪ/ (like 'sit'). 'These' has a long /iː/ (like 'see'). This is the most important distinction.
Emphasis on the demonstrative
I want THIS one, not THAT one.
Stressing the word shows a strong contrast between choices.
暗記しよう
記憶術
THIS and THESE have an 'I' or 'E' like 'NEAR'. THAT and THOSE have an 'A' or 'O' like 'AFAR'.
視覚的連想
Imagine a circle around your feet. Anything inside the circle is 'This/These'. Anything outside the circle, where you have to stretch your arm to point, is 'That/Those'.
Rhyme
This and These are close to me, That and Those are far, you see!
Story
You are at a market. You hold an apple (This). You point to a mountain (That). You hold your keys (These). You point to the stars (Those).
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look around your room. Point to 3 things near you using 'This/These' and 3 things far away using 'That/Those'. Say them out loud!
文化メモ
When answering the phone, we say 'This is [Name].' We never say 'I am [Name]' or 'That is [Name]'.
In the UK, when asking who is on the other end of the phone, people often say 'Who is that?' whereas Americans might say 'Who is this?'
Pointing with a finger while saying 'that' can be considered rude in some cultures. Using the word alone is polite.
Demonstratives come from Old English 'þis' (this) and 'þæt' (that).
会話のきっかけ
What is this in English?
Do you like these shoes I'm wearing?
Is that your car parked outside?
What do you think of this weather we're having?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
___ clouds look like sheep.
I can't believe I found ___ book in the trash!
Find and fix the mistake:
That shoes are very dirty.
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercises___ is my favorite book in my hand.
Look at ___ stars in the sky!
Find and fix the mistake:
These is my brother, Tom.
1. This 2. These 3. That 4. Those
are / keys / those / your / ?
___ was a great movie we saw last night.
Hello, ___ is Sarah. Is ___ John?
I want to buy ___ shoes over there.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises___ (near) are my favorite cookies.
is / laptop / mine / that
Translate: 'Dies sind meine Eltern.'
電話をかけてきた相手を尋ねる正しい文を選んでください。
指示語とそのカテゴリを合わせてください。
修正: 'I want those apple on the table.'
Look at ___ bird way up in the tree!
友人のマークを紹介する正しい言い方は?
Translate: 'Jene Häuser sind alt.'
expensive / are / those / glasses
Score: /10
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, but mainly for introductions like `This is my friend` or on the phone. In other cases, use `he` or `she`.
We use `this` for the present or future (`this week`) and `that` for the past (`that year`).
English requires subject-verb agreement. `This` is singular, so it needs `is`. `These` is plural, so it needs `are`.
It is always `that's` with an apostrophe, which is short for `that is`.
Yes, `these ones` and `those ones` are very common in informal English to emphasize specific items.
Make sure the 'e' sound is long like in 'bee' and the 's' sounds like a 'z'.
Usually no. However, you might use it if you are referring to something the other person is holding.
No. In English, `this`, `that`, `these`, and `those` are the same for masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
este / ese / aquel
English lacks the 'middle' distance word (ese).
ce / cette / ces
English demonstratives are gender-neutral.
dieser / jener
English forms are much simpler and don't change for case.
kore / sore / are
Japanese distinguishes between 'near you' and 'far from us'.
hadha / dhalika
English has no 'dual' form for exactly two things.
zhè / nà
English has unique plural words (these/those) rather than adding a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Which Sidekick Notepad Is For You?
What to know about orgasms: Sex Ed #13
Supreme Court BANS Faithless Electors…………?
The Parts of Speech: PRONOUNS | 8 Types of Pronouns | English Grammar for Beginners
Sparkle English
Pronouns for Kids | Grammar for Elementary Students
Homeschool Pop
Related Grammar Rules
英語の目的格代名詞:me, you, him, her(動作を受ける言葉)
自撮りをアップして、「Look at `I`!」って書けないのはなんでだろう?って思ったことない? まあ、17世紀の海賊でもない限り、...
英語の再帰代名詞 (myself, yourself)
Overview 自分の顔の写真を撮ろうとしたことはありますか?おそらくそれを `selfie`(自撮り)と呼んだでしょう。その小さな言葉...
代名詞としての 'One' と 'Ones' の使い方
ネットで{服|ふく}を{買|か}っているとき、{壊|こわ}れたレコードみたいに{同|おな}じことを{何回|なんかい}も{言|い}っているな...
I(私)、You(あなた)、It(それ)— 初めての代名詞
### Overview 英語学習の初期段階で最も重要となる要素の一つが、代名詞(pronouns)です。代名詞は、同じ名詞を繰り返し使うこ...
非指示的・冗語的 'it'(あなたは帰るのですね)
### Overview 英語の文法では、全ての定形動詞に主語が必要であるという原則があります。これは、スペイン語や日本語のような主...