Meaning
Identifying an object far from the speaker by its noun.
Cultural Background
When pointing at a landmark or object while using '저것은...', it is more polite to use your whole hand with the palm facing slightly upward rather than using a single index finger. In a boardroom, when referring to a chart or screen far away, always use the '입니다' form to maintain professional distance and respect. Teachers often use '저것' to refer to things on the chalkboard or posters in the back of the room to help students learn spatial awareness. Tour guides are trained to use the full '저것은 [명사]입니다' form to sound authoritative and welcoming to tourists.
The 'Touch' Rule
If you can't reach out and touch it, and your friend can't either, always use '저것'.
People aren't things
Never use '저것' for a person. Use '저 사람' (that person) or '저 분' (that honored person).
Meaning
Identifying an object far from the speaker by its noun.
The 'Touch' Rule
If you can't reach out and touch it, and your friend can't either, always use '저것'.
People aren't things
Never use '저것' for a person. Use '저 사람' (that person) or '저 분' (that honored person).
Open Palm
When saying '저것은', gesture with an open palm to look more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct demonstrative for an object far from both people.
(____)은 {산|山}입니다.
'저것' is used for objects far from both the speaker and listener.
Which sentence is the most formal way to say 'That is a school'?
Choose the correct formal sentence.
The '입니다' ending is the formal polite (Hapsyo-che) style.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a guide.
Tourist: 저것은 무엇입니까? Guide: 저것은 (____)입니다.
In the structure 'A은 B입니다', B is a simple noun without markers.
Match the demonstrative to the situation.
You are pointing at a star in the sky.
Stars are far from both the speaker and the listener.
Match the Korean word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic deictic vocabulary matching.
Complete the sentence with the correct topic marker.
저것( ) {바다|바다}입니다.
'저것' ends in a consonant (ㅅ), so it takes '은'.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
6 exercises(____)은 {산|山}입니다.
'저것' is used for objects far from both the speaker and listener.
Choose the correct formal sentence.
The '입니다' ending is the formal polite (Hapsyo-che) style.
Tourist: 저것은 무엇입니까? Guide: 저것은 (____)입니다.
In the structure 'A은 B입니다', B is a simple noun without markers.
You are pointing at a star in the sky.
Stars are far from both the speaker and the listener.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic deictic vocabulary matching.
저것( ) {바다|바다}입니다.
'저것' ends in a consonant (ㅅ), so it takes '은'.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, in casual speech '저거' is much more common than '저것'. However, in formal writing or '입니다' style, '저것' is preferred.
'저것은' sets it as the topic (Speaking of that thing...), while '저것이' emphasizes that *that specific thing* is the one.
Yes, '입니다' is the polite way to say 'is' for any noun, whether it's an object, a place, or a person's role.
Use '저것은 [명사]이/가 아닙니다'.
This is due to a Korean pronunciation rule where 'ㅂ' becomes 'ㅁ' before 'ㄴ'.
Yes, '저것' can be used for animals, though '저 개' (that dog) or '저 고양이' (that cat) is more specific.
Constantly! Especially when characters are pointing out landmarks or mysterious objects from a distance.
Use '저것들은' (Those things are...).
Pointing at people is rude. Pointing at objects is okay, but using an open palm is more polite.
Usually, you'd use '이것' (this) since the phone is in your hand, or '그것' if you're talking about what the other person is looking at.
You would say '바로 저거예요!'
Yes, the deictic system is the same in North and South Korea.
No, for a sound you would say '저 소리' (that sound).
It is {名詞|명사}, meaning 'name word'.
Related Phrases
이것은 [명사]입니다
similarThis is a [noun].
그것은 [명사]입니다
similarThat is a [noun].
저것은 무엇입니까?
builds onWhat is that over there?
저기요
relatedExcuse me
저 분은 ... 입니다
specialized formThat person is...
