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HSK 5 Demonstrative Pronouns: 彼此, 如此, and 本
In the HSK 5 grammar outline, 彼此 (bǐcǐ), 如此 (rúcǐ), and 本 (běn) are grouped under demonstrative pronouns (指示代词). Unlike basic conversational words such as 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà), these three pronouns operate primarily in slightly formal, written, or polite registers to express mutual reference, manner and degree, or institutional self-reference.
好朋友应该多理解彼此。
Here 彼此 acts as the direct object of the verb 理解 (understand).
× 本个公司将于下周一举行年度会议。
Incorrect: In formal announcements referring to one's own organization, demonstrative 本 cannot take the measure word 个. Replace 本个公司 with 本公司.
Corrected example: 本公司将于下周一举行年度会议。
Read the full explanation and examples
Why the Syllabus Groups 彼此, 如此, and 本 Together
At intermediate and advanced stages of Chinese, learners move beyond basic pointing words like 这 (zhè, this) and 那 (nà, that). The HSK 5 grammar syllabus groups 彼此 (bǐcǐ), 如此 (rúcǐ), and 本 (běn) under the category of demonstrative pronouns (指示代词).
These words refer to parties in a relationship, a manner or state, or a current institution, document, time or person. Learn their different grammatical jobs and conventional expressions. Formal wording is useful when it suits the context; it is not automatically better than an everyday alternative.
彼此 (bǐcǐ): Referring to Both Sides or Each Other
彼此 refers to the parties in a reciprocal relationship and may involve two or more people or groups. Unlike the adverb 互相, it can be the object of a verb, as in 理解彼此, or modify a noun with 的, as in 彼此的想法.
好朋友应该多理解彼此。
Here 彼此 acts as the direct object of the verb 理解 (understand).
他们很了解彼此的想法。
彼此 + 的 modifies the noun 想法 (thoughts).
如此 (rúcǐ): Like This, So, or Such
如此 means “like this,” “so” or “to such a degree.” It often refers to a situation understood from context, and it can also intensify a description such as 如此复杂. A complete description need not have been stated in the preceding sentence. Its tone is often written or formal, though set expressions such as 原来如此 are natural in conversation.
- As a predicate or after verbs like 是 (shì): It summarizes a preceding statement ('be like this' or 'be so'). Common fixed expressions include 原来如此 (so that is how it is) and 不仅如此 (not only that).
- Before an adjective or psychological verb phrase: It acts as an intensifier meaning 'so' or 'to such a degree', comparable to 这么 (zhème) in speech.
事情本来就是如此，你不必太难过。
如此 follows 是 to refer back to a state or situation already known to both speakers.
面对如此复杂的问题，我们需要冷静思考。
如此 modifies the adjective 复杂 (complex) to mean 'so' or 'such a'.
本 (běn): This Current Institution, Time, or Person
While beginners learn 本 as a measure word for books or a noun meaning 'root', as a demonstrative pronoun it means 'this very' or 'our own'. It specifies the current speaker's institution, location, time period, or identity. It is heavily used in announcements, news, legal writing, and workplace communication.
本公司将于下周一举行年度会议。
Correct: 本 attaches directly to the institutional noun 公司 without a measure word.
请获奖者本人到前台领取奖品。
本人 specifies the exact person previously mentioned ('in person' or 'oneself').
Notice that in 本人 (běnrén, I myself / the person in question), 本 attaches directly to 人 to form a compound pronoun. Other frequent combinations include 本次 (this time/session), 本周 (this week), 本市 (this city), and 本专业 (this academic major).
Key Structural Limits and Common Learner Mistakes
For the intended institutional reference, say 本公司, not 本个公司. Do not generalize this into a ban on every classifier-like word after 本: 本次活动, 本项工作 and 本条规定 are conventional combinations. Learn which noun or counting expression 本 naturally combines with.
× 本个公司将于下周一举行年度会议。
Incorrect: In formal announcements referring to one's own organization, demonstrative 本 cannot take the measure word 个. Replace 本个公司 with 本公司.
Corrected example: 本公司将于下周一举行年度会议。
- Use conventional forms: 本公司, 本校, 本年度, 本次活动 and 本项工作. For the intended company reference, 本个公司 is not the right pattern. 本年度 means the year or annual period concerned; it need not specifically be a fiscal year.
- 本 is not a freely interchangeable substitute for 这个 when pointing at any object: for an ordinary cup, use 这个杯子. It can refer to a document or product under discussion in conventional forms such as 本书 and 本产品, so its scope is not confined to the speaker’s own organization or identity.
- Keep 彼此 and 互相 distinct after verbs: Because 互相 is strictly an adverb, a sentence ending in 理解互相 is ungrammatical; you must use the pronoun 彼此 (理解彼此) in object position.
Frequently asked questions
Can 彼此 always replace 互相?
They overlap before a predicate, as in 彼此帮助 and 互相帮助. But only 彼此 fills the object position in 理解彼此 or the possessor position in 彼此的想法. To use 互相 in that first meaning, change the structure to 互相理解. Do not simply swap the two words in every grammatical position.
What is the difference between 如此 and 这样?
They share the core meaning of 'like this' or 'so', but 如此 belongs to a more formal, written register. In everyday casual conversation, speakers strongly prefer 这样 or 这么, whereas 如此 is common in essays, news reports, and idiomatic set phrases.
How do I tell whether 本 is a measure word or a demonstrative pronoun?
Look at the construction. Classifier 本 counts books or bound items, as in 一本书 and 这本杂志. Demonstrative 本 identifies the current or contextually relevant entity, as in 本公司, 本月, 本次活动 or 本书. In 本书 meaning “this book,” 本 is demonstrative; in 一本书 meaning “one book,” it is the classifier.
