Lesson 16: Demonstratives 'these' & 'those'
In our last lesson, we learned the "pointing words" for one thing: this (for near things) and that (for far things).
Today, we will learn the pointing words for plural1 nouns, which means two or more things. These words are: these and those.
Using 'These' (for PLURAL things NEAR)
We use these to point to two or more things that are near us.
- (Holding some crabs) These crabs are from Kampot.
- These are my books on my desk.
- These shoes on my feet are new.
Using 'Those' (for PLURAL things FAR)
We use those to point to two or more things that are far from us.
- Those boats on the river are for fishing.
- Look at those clouds in the sky.
- Those houses across the river are very colorful.
Complete Summary Table
This table shows all four demonstratives. The only question to ask is: "How many and how far?"
| Distance | One Thing (Singular2) | More Than One (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Near (ជិត) | This | These |
| Far (ឆ្ងាយ) | That | Those |
Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Word
Choose the correct word (this, that, these, those) to complete the sentences.
- Look at ___ bird in the tree over there.
→ that (One thing, far) - Are ___ your keys here in your hand?
→ these (Many things, near) - ___ durian smells delicious! (You are standing next to it)
→ This (One thing, near) - I can see the salt fields from here. ___ fields are very white.
→ Those (Many things, far)
Homework: Describe the Scene
Imagine you are sitting at a cafe by the Kampot riverside. Complete the sentences below.
1. (You are holding a glass) "___________ is my drink."
2. (You are looking at two chairs at your table) "___________ chairs are comfortable."
3. (You are looking at a boat far away on the river) "___________ boat is moving fast."
4. (You are looking at many motorbikes parked across the street) "___________ motorbikes are for rent."
(Answers: 1. This, 2. These, 3. That, 4. Those)