这个
zhè ge
(pronoun) this
(adjective) this
this (这) + one-unit counter (个) = this one thing right here
这 points to something nearby using a movement radical, while 个 is the all-purpose counter that singles out one item. Together they act as a finger tap on one specific thing in front of you.
这个苹果很甜。
zhè ge píng guǒ hěn tián。
This apple is very sweet.
你为什么喜欢这个地方？
nǐ wèi shén me xǐ huān zhè ge dì fāng？
Why do you like this place?