Lesson Seven: How To Point Something (or Someone) Out

Kore wa pen desu.

The words kore, sore, are are used to point out objects (sometimes people) in different locations in reference to the speakers. Kore is used for items closer to the speaker than the listener: this. Sore is used for items closer to the listener than the speaker: that. Are is used for items at a distance from both the speaker and the listener: that over there.

If you want to talk about the walking stick in your hand you would say:
Kore wa sutekki desu. (This is a walking stick.)

And when you want to refer to the pistol that someone is holding to your face, you would say:
Sore wa honto no juu desu ka? (Is that a real gun?)

And when you want to inform your assailant that the policeman over there is pointing a shotgun at both of you, you would say:
Are wa sandanjuu desu yo! (That is a shotgun!)

Don't forget this. It could come in handy especially since drugs and crime are increasing dramatically in Japan.

- Sensei

Next Lesson: Lesson Eight - How to make something possessive.