あの
That (over there)
Structure
Explanation
あの is a type of word known as a 'pre-noun adjectival' in Japanese. Words in this category are special because they never change form or conjugate. あの belongs to the same group as あれ (that thing over there) and あそこ (that place over there), and is used to single out a noun that is far away from both the speaker and the listener. It is typically translated as 'that' (over there).
- あの空は綺麗だね。That sky is beautiful, isn't it?
- あの映画は面白かった？Was that movie interesting? (That movie we both know about)
Just as the name 'pre-noun adjectival' implies, this word will always be found directly before a noun, serving to modify or specify it.
Examples
あの建物は図書館です。
That building over there is the library.
あの車が赤いです。
That car over there is red.
あの公園は大きいです。
That park over there is big.
あの静かな子は、鈴木さんの娘さん。
That quiet child over there is Suzuki-san's daughter.
あの席でもいい。
That seat over there is fine too.
この本かあの本を読みます。
I will read this book or that book over there.
あの映画を見る。
I'm going to watch that movie. (The one that you and I both know about)
あの山は高い。
That mountain over there is high.
あのカバンを買う。
I'm going to buy that bag over there.
あの自転車は、あの学生のです。
That bicycle over there belongs to that student over there.
あの歌が好き。
I like that song. (The one we both know)
あの猫も元気ですね。
That cat over there is lively too, isn't it?