この

About

この, or "this (noun)", is a so-called 「こそあど」word. この's set of こそあど words includes この, その, あの, and どの. This こそあど set is comprised of noun modifiers, rather than pronouns. This means that they must always attach to a noun, and have no meaning on their own.

Adjectives may come in between この and the noun it modifies. In this case, the adjective(s) and noun are considered a "noun phrase", and この's usage does not change.

この and other こそあど words that start with こ refer to things near the speaker (within arm's reach is a good rule of thumb).

Summary

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  この is a こそあど word meaning "this (noun)".

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  この refers to things near the speaker.

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  この's set of こそあど words have no meaning on their own and must attach to a noun.

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  Sometimes adjectives will come in between この and the noun it modifies.