this for Mandarin speakers — pronunciation and common errors

Pronunciation

Mandarin lacks the voiced dental fricative /ð/, leading speakers to substitute the alveolar plosive /d/. This results in 'this' /ðɪs/ being pronounced as /dɪs/.

Grammar

Mandarin uses the general demonstrative 这 (zhè) followed by a measure word (e.g., 这个 zhè ge) for both singular and plural contexts in some dialects, or relies on the measure word to indicate number. Consequently, learners frequently use 'this' where the plural 'these' is required, especially before plural nouns.

Examples

• This coffee is much better than the one I had yesterday.
• I am reading this book because my professor recommended it during our last lecture.