その
その
pre-noun adjectival
that (before noun)
1.
that (modifying a noun)
A demonstrative adjective used before nouns to indicate something close to the listener or previously mentioned.
その is a demonstrative adjective meaning 'that,' used to modify nouns. It refers to something near the listener or previously mentioned.
KO-SO-A-DO SYSTEM (adjective forms):
- この: this (near speaker)
- その: that (near listener or just mentioned)
- あの: that over there (far from both)
- どの: which? (question)
IMPORTANT:
その must always be followed by a noun. It cannot stand alone (use それ instead).
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- その時: at that time
- その後: after that
- その他: others, the rest
- その通り: exactly, that's right
- その代わり: instead, in exchange
ANAPHORIC USE:
その often refers back to something mentioned earlier in the conversation, not just physical proximity.