これ

これ
pronoun
this
1. this (thing)
A demonstrative pronoun referring to something close to the speaker.
What is this?
Basic question
Please look at this.
This is my book.
How much is this?
Common shopping phrase
This is something precious I received from a friend.

これ is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this,' referring to something near the speaker.

KO-SO-A-DO SYSTEM:

  • これ: this (near speaker)
  • それ: that (near listener)
  • あれ: that over there (far from both)
  • どれ: which one? (question)

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION:

  • これ/それ/あれ: pronouns (stand alone)
  • この/その/あの: adjectives (modify nouns)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • これは〜です: This is ~
  • これを(くだ)さい: I'll take this / Please give me this
  • これはいくらですか: How much is this?
  • これで全部(ぜんぶ)です: This is all / That's everything

USAGE NOTES:
これ can refer to physical objects, ideas, or situations close to the speaker's perspective or recently mentioned.