like this, like that, 这么、那么、 这样、 那样

kinjiru
June 27, 2010, 11:29 PM posted in General Discussion
以上的词都有什么区别?
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John
June 28, 2010, 03:03 AM

I'll do my best to give a general outline of the differences.

这么 (zhème) and 那么 (nàme) are usually translated into English as "so" or "such," as in "so tall" 这么高 (zhème gāo), or "such a good person" 那么好的人 (nàme hǎo de rén).

那么 (nàme) is often used to mean "then," and frequently starts sentences.

这样 (zhèyang) means "like this," and 那样 (nàyang) means "like that."  You might say "do it like this" 这样做 (zhèyang zuò) or "that kind of person" 那样的人 (nàyang de rén).

Without any context, it's hard to give a complete answer.  These kinds of words are always covered in context in our Newbie lessons.