GRAMMAR DETAIL
あれ
Directly refers to an object far from both speaker and listener without a following noun.
Examples
あれは駅の入り口です。
That over there is the station entrance.
Words used
あれが新しい図書館です。
That over there is the new library.
Words used
あれは弟の自転車です。
That over there is my younger brother's bicycle.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
あれrefers to a thing on its own, without a following noun. - Basic usage: It points to something away from both speaker and listener.
あれは弟の自転車です。points to a bicycle in the distance and then explains whose it is.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Including the noun
- To name the object as well, use a phrase such as
あの自転車.あれstands for the thing itself, whileあのmodifies the following noun.
- To name the object as well, use a phrase such as
- Identifying a thing or its location
あれが図書館ですidentifies the library among visible buildings, while図書館はあそこですgives its location. Choose according to the information being asked for and supplied.