What’s the difference between pronounciations of the word “那”? In this phrase “往 那边，对 吗?” in audio it sound like nei, but in my vocabulary it is na, and also has nei pronounciation. Please explain, or do I mishear? This lesson: Login - LingQ
Orally, when uttering 那边, 那里 or 那个, you can use either “nei” or “na”. In writing, or anytime you are not sure, it is always safe to use “na”.
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That is true with 那边 and 那个, but 那里 cannot be pronounced “nei li”. To be pronounced “nei” you must be able to put 一 between 那 and the noun or measure word. The “nei” pronunciation comes from merging 那 and 一 in 一边 or 一个. “Na yi bian” or “na yi ge” merge to become “nei bian” or “nei ge”. Same goes for 那种 and other measure words. It can either be “na zhong” or “nei zhong” (na yi zhong). Doesn’t work with 那里 (nali) though.
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Very helpful. Thanks!
I think I noticed once that 那 was being pronounced ‘nei’ and got very confused. This is interesting.