Difference between revisions of "Pronoun"

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== Notes ==
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Pronouns can substitute in for regular nouns and proper nouns so that you aren't just repeating yourself over and over again. They also have some special characteristics that we'll get into.
  
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* Distinguish personal, demonstrative, interrogative pronouns; uses
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==Characteristics==
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* Plural
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There are many different kinds of pronouns depending on what you are referring to: personal pronouns (he, she, we, etc.), demonstrative (this, that), and [[Placement of question words|interrogative]] (who, what). Pronouns can go anywhere that a noun goes, but you have to be sure to use the right kind. They can all be modified for [[expressing possession]] by adding "的". This does not apply to [[Expressing close possession|close relationships]] with personal pronouns.
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** Use 们 to mark plural of personal pronouns.
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** 您 usually not used in plural.
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===Personal Pronouns===
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** Reflexive pronoun 自己 can be used with singular or plural e.g. 我自己, 我们自己.
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Personal pronouns include 我, 你, 他, and 她. Those are all singular though. To make them plural, all you need to do is add the [[suffix]] "-们" to it. Additionally, there is a polite second person form "您", but that is falling out of usage, and it cannot take the "-们" suffix.  
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** Use 些 to mark plural of interrogative pronouns.
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** 他们 covers all-male and mixed groups; 她们 for all-female groups.
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When referring to a group, "他们" refers to a group of all males or a mixed group. "她们" refers to a group of females. Note that this is only important while writing, because otherwise they are pronounced the same! You can also use this to say "and that group" by saying a name and then putting "他们" behind it. When referring to a group in first-person (i.e. we), there are two constructions in Chinese: 我们 and 咱们. The former is used to exclude the listener, while the latter includes them.
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** 我们 generally does not include the listener; 咱们 does
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** Putting 他们 after a name refers to that person and their friends or group. Like "..and co" in English.
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When making reflexive sentences (sentences with himself, myself, etc.), you have to add "自己" after the personal pronoun. This is sort of the "self" marker.
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* Possessive pronouns are formed with 的.
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* 的 is generally not used after a personal pronoun where there is a family or institutional relationship, e.g. 我妈妈, 我校.
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== Additional Notes ==
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* Which pronouns can replace what
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* Some set phrases for modifying pronouns
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** In order to pluralize pronouns that ask questions, you have to put "些" after them. This is similar to "that type" or "that kind". It just broadens the question a little more.
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There are also some set phrases modify pronouns:
 
** 可怜的...
 
** 可怜的...
 
** 美丽的...
 
** 美丽的...

Revision as of 07:55, 29 July 2013

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it.

Pronouns can substitute in for regular nouns and proper nouns so that you aren't just repeating yourself over and over again. They also have some special characteristics that we'll get into.

Characteristics

There are many different kinds of pronouns depending on what you are referring to: personal pronouns (he, she, we, etc.), demonstrative (this, that), and interrogative (who, what). Pronouns can go anywhere that a noun goes, but you have to be sure to use the right kind. They can all be modified for expressing possession by adding "的". This does not apply to close relationships with personal pronouns.

Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns include 我, 你, 他, and 她. Those are all singular though. To make them plural, all you need to do is add the suffix "-们" to it. Additionally, there is a polite second person form "您", but that is falling out of usage, and it cannot take the "-们" suffix.

When referring to a group, "他们" refers to a group of all males or a mixed group. "她们" refers to a group of females. Note that this is only important while writing, because otherwise they are pronounced the same! You can also use this to say "and that group" by saying a name and then putting "他们" behind it. When referring to a group in first-person (i.e. we), there are two constructions in Chinese: 我们 and 咱们. The former is used to exclude the listener, while the latter includes them.

When making reflexive sentences (sentences with himself, myself, etc.), you have to add "自己" after the personal pronoun. This is sort of the "self" marker.

Additional Notes

    • In order to pluralize pronouns that ask questions, you have to put "些" after them. This is similar to "that type" or "that kind". It just broadens the question a little more.

There are also some set phrases modify pronouns:

    • 可怜的...
    • 美丽的...
    • 善良的...

Subcategories

Sources

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