那 vs 哪
那 vs 哪: That vs Which/Where
Quick Summary
那 means "that" (demonstrative); 哪 means "which" or "where" (interrogative).
Detailed Breakdown
nà / nèi
Demonstrative pronoun (that)
Grammar Pattern
那 + Measure Word + Noun / 那里 (there)Examples
那个人
nà ge rén
that person
那里
nàlǐ
there
那本书很好
nà běn shū hěn hǎo
that book is good
nǎ / něi
Interrogative pronoun (which/where)
Grammar Pattern
哪 + Measure Word + Noun? / 哪里? (where?)Examples
哪个？
nǎ ge?
which one?
你去哪里？
nǐ qù nǎlǐ?
where are you going?
哪本书是你的？
nǎ běn shū shì nǐ de?
which book is yours?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | 那 | 哪 |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Demonstrative (that) | Interrogative (which) |
| Tone | 4th tone (nà) | 3rd tone (nǎ) |
| Place word | 那里 (there) | 哪里 (where) |
| Usage | Statements | Questions |
Memory Tips
- 哪 has 口 (mouth) - you use your mouth to ASK questions
- 那 has no 口 - it's a statement, not a question
- 哪 (nǎ) = 3rd tone goes DOWN then UP like a question
Common Mistakes
When asking "where", use 哪里 (not 那里)
When pointing out "that is", use 那 (not 哪)
For statements about "that person", use 那
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remember 那 vs 哪?
哪 has the mouth radical 口 because you use your mouth to ask questions. 那 has no mouth radical - it's for statements, not questions.
What's the difference between 那里 and 哪里?
那里 (nàlǐ) means "there" - a specific place. 哪里 (nǎlǐ) means "where" - asking about location. 你去哪里? = Where are you going? 我去那里 = I'm going there.
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