那个 nàge that one
that one; that thing; that (as opposed to this); used before a verb or adjective for emphasis; used to humorously or indirectly refer to something embarrassing, funny etc, or when one can't think of the right word; used in speech as a filler, similar to "umm", "you know" etc; (polite word) menstruation; sex
How to remember 那个: 那 that + 个 general measure word = that one.
Characters
How it is used
- "That one" - 那个多少钱 (nàge duōshao qián) how much is that one? Contrasts with 这个 (zhège, this one).
- Very often pronounced nèige in speech.
- Doubles as a hesitation filler like English "um/you know" - 那个… 我想说 (nàge… wǒ xiǎng shuō) uh… I wanted to say. Also a common euphemism, so context matters.
Example sentences
- 我认识那个人。 Wǒ rènshi nàge rén.I know that person.
- 那个小孩好可爱。 Nàge xiǎohái hǎo kě'ài.That child is really cute.
- 那个女人我认识。 Nàge nǚrén wǒ rènshi.I know that woman.
- 那个箱子破了。 Nàge xiāngzi pò le.The trunk is broken.