那 (nà) is a fascinating character with a history that reflects ancient geographical concepts and the importance of location.

Here’s a breakdown of its evolution:

• 邑 (yì): This component, which we also saw in the character 都 (dōu), originally depicted a city or a settlement, often surrounded by walls. It signifies a place or a location.
• 那 (nǎ): This component, which is actually the same as the character itself but with a different pronunciation, is believed to have represented a sound or a tone used to indicate a location further away.

Combining these elements, the original meaning of 那 likely conveyed the idea of “that place over there” or “that distant location.” This sense of specifying a location further away from the speaker is still reflected in its modern usage as a demonstrative pronoun:

• That: 那 is used to refer to something further away in space or time, contrasting with 这 (zhè), which means “this” or “here.”

The character 那 is used in various contexts to indicate distance or to specify something previously mentioned:

• 那个 (nàge): That one
• 那些 (nàxiē): Those
• 那时候 (nà shíhou): At that time
• 那么 (nàme): In that way, so

The evolution of 那 from a geographical reference to a demonstrative pronoun showcases the adaptability of Chinese characters and how their meanings can shift while retaining traces of their origins. The character’s history reminds us of the importance of location and perspective in language and communication.