:concept/language/English When used as a primary expression, the keyword this denotes a value, that is a reference to the object for which the instance method was invoked, or to the object being constructed. (JLS2 15.8.3) According to JLS2 15.12.4 (especially 15.12.4.4 and 15.12.4.5) this reference is called the target reference and the object is called the target object.%