あの
あの本は面白い。
That book is interesting.
Used to refer to something or someone distant from both speaker and listener, or previously mentioned.
あの映画を見た？
Have you seen that movie?
あの人は誰ですか。
Who is that person?
More casual than 「その」. Often used when the listener is expected to know what is being referred to.
Used to indicate hesitation or to stall for time in conversation.
あの…、実は相談したいことがあるんです。
Um... actually, I have something I'd like to discuss.
Similar to 'um' or 'well' in English. Often written as 「あのー」 for emphasis.
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 「その」 and 「この」
「あの」 refers to something distant from both speaker and listener, while 「その」 refers to something distant from the speaker but closer to the listener, and 「この」 refers to something close to the speaker.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese 「あ」 (a-; demonstrative prefix) + 「の」 (no; possessive particle), forming a demonstrative determiner.
Usage Notes
「あの」 is used when both speaker and listener are aware of the referent, but it is physically or contextually distant. It is less formal than 「その」 and more casual than 「例の」. In hesitation, it softens the tone and signals the speaker is gathering their thoughts.