Some characters might look the same for English speakers but the trick is how you pronounce the words. Tone is important!
这
Zhè
This
Example:
这太贵了。
Zhè tài guì le.
This is too expensive.
这儿
Zhè’er
Here
Example:
你为什么在这儿?
Nĭ wèi shénmē zaì zhèr?
Why are you here?
这些
Zhèxiē
These ones
Example:
这些菜难道不好吃吗?
Zhèxiē cài nándào bù hào chī ma?
Are not these dishes delicious?
那
Nà
That
Example:
啊!那是真的吗?
Shénme! Nà shì zhēn de ma?
What! Is that true?
那儿
Nà’er
There
Example:
你看那儿!
Nǐ kàn nà’er!
Look there!
哪
Nǎ
Which
Example:
哪个桌子?
nǎ ge zhuō zi
Which table?
哪儿
Nǎ’er
Where
Example:
你住在哪儿?
nǐ zhù zài nǎ r
Where do you live?
谁
Shéi
Who
Example:
她是谁
tā shì shéi
Who is she?
什么
Shénme
What
Example:
你的名字是什么?
nǐ de míng zi shì shén me?
What is your name?
多少
Duōshǎo
How much
Example:
这个衣服多少钱
zhè ge yī fu duō shao qián
How much is this dress?
几
Jǐ
How many (less than 10)
Example:
现在几点了
xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le
What time is it?
怎么
Zěnme
How
Example:
这本书怎么样
zhè běn shū zěn me yàng
How is this book?
怎么样
Zěnme yàng
How is it (indicating nature/condition)
Example:
那儿怎么样
nà r zěn me yàng
What is it like there?
再见!
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