它 (tā) - it & other

它Tone 1

tā ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 宀

树檀

它 · tā

it;

other;

that (inanimate object or non-human third person pronoun)

itotherthat (inanimate object or non-human third person pronoun)

Usage highlights

itsother thingsother peopleother placesother timesother reasons

Synonyms

  • 其— it; that (more formal)
  • 彼— that; those (literary)

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is a book, and it (它) is on the table.
  • I saw a cat, and it (它) was sleeping.
  • The computer is broken, so I need to fix it (它).
  • Look at that tree, it (它) is very tall.

Collocations

  • its(它的)
  • other things(其它)
  • other people(他人)
  • other places(他处)
  • other times(他时)
  • other reasons(他故)

Idioms

  • To die for a cause(死它)
  • To have other intentions(有它)
  • The other is the guest(它人为客)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'snake' in oracle bone script, later borrowed as third person pronoun for objects.
  • In modern usage, strictly refers to inanimate objects or animals, distinguishing from human pronouns 他/她.
  • Considered impolite if used to refer to people in contemporary Chinese.

FAQ