その
That
Structure
Explanation
In Japanese, その is known as a 'pre-noun adjectival'. This is a unique word category that has no conjugations, so its form never changes. It belongs to the same group of words as それ (that one) and そこ (that place), and it specifies an item that is close to the person you are talking to.
- その車は速い？Is that car fast? (If a sentence finishes in a rising tone, questions markers like ですか may be dropped in casual speech)
- その考えは面白いでしょう。That idea is definitely interesting.
Just as the term 'pre-noun adjectival' implies, words like その are always placed directly in front of a noun to modify it.
Examples
そのカバンが重い。
That bag is heavy.
その歌を聞く。
I will listen to that song.
そのレストランはおいしいですか。
Is that restaurant delicious?
その飲み物はお茶です。
That drink is tea.
その問題は簡単でしょう。
That problem is easy, right?
その部屋はきれいです。
That room is clean.
その女の人は私の先生。
That woman is my teacher.
その公園は広い。
That park is spacious.
その帽子をかぶる。
I will wear that hat.
その方法も便利ですよ。
That method is also convenient.
その建物は図書館です。
That building is a library.
その質問は面白い。
That question is interesting.
その猫は友達の猫です。
That cat is my friend's cat.