Usage of それ
それ is a demonstrative pronoun used to refer to something near the listener or something previously mentioned. It contrasts with これ (this, near the speaker) and あれ (that, far from both speaker and listener).
Common contexts
- Referring to objects or ideas the listener knows or has just mentioned.
- Asking for or pointing out something close to the listener.
Collocations and patterns
- それは〜です: Used to identify or explain something (e.g., それは私の本です).
- それをください: Requesting something near the listener.
- それはどういう意味ですか？: Asking for clarification or meaning.
Notes
それ is very common in daily conversation and polite speech. Avoid confusing it with これ or あれ by paying attention to the relative position of speaker and listener. Learners sometimes misuse それ when referring to things near themselves; in that case, これ is correct.