This and that, here and there
What are we pointing to from here and now?
의미
Pointing words connect what we say to people, things, places, or times in the situation or conversation. They let us refer to something nearby, farther away, just mentioned, or relevant now. Languages divide these choices differently: some also distinguish what is near the listener, and context can sometimes replace a pointing word. Unlike Near and far, this block is about pointing from a speaker's viewpoint, not simply describing distance.
알아보는 방법
Look for words whose intended person, thing, place, or time depends on who is speaking and on the situation or conversation.
모국어에서는
Korean distinguishes 이 for something near the speaker, 그 for something near the listener, and 저 for something away from both. 그 also refers back to something already mentioned. The corresponding place words are 여기, 거기, and 저기.
이 컵은 제 거예요. (I keobeun je geoyeyo.)
이 points to a cup near the speaker.
그 사진 좀 보여 주세요. (Geu sajin jom boyeo juseyo.)
Here 그 can point to a photo near the listener.
저기 버스가 와요. (Jeogi beoseuga wayo.)
저기 points to a place away from both speaker and listener.