这个 (zhège) can be used by the speaker to emphasize how one regards something or someone. Using 这个 has a stronger effect than if one were to label something without using 这个 e.g "中国, 这个国家" has a stronger impact than merely saying "中国是一个国家."

这个

Structure

Subj. + 这个 + [Category]

Examples

As 个 is a measure word it can be replaced by other measure words in this structure. Often it is replaced with 种 or 类. which actually shifts the meaning slightly from e.g. "this city" to "this type of city."

这种/这类

Structure

Subj. + 这种 / 这类 + [Category]

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Category:B2 grammar points