When learning Chinese, it’s essential to understand how to express the pronoun “he” correctly. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to say “he” in Chinese, focusing on the standard Mandarin dialect. While regional variations exist, we’ll primarily cover the widely used expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “He” in Chinese:
In formal situations, such as addressing someone you have just met or showing respect towards someone older or of higher status, you can use the following pronouns:
- 他 (tā): This is the standard form of “he” in Mandarin Chinese. The pronunciation is similar to the English word “tah.”
- 其 (qí): This pronoun, often used in formal written language, implies a more literary or official tone. However, it’s less commonly used in everyday conversation.
Examples:
1. 他是我的哥哥。
(Tā shì wǒ de gēge.)
Translation: He is my older brother.
2. 请问，你是他的老师吗？
(Qǐngwèn, nǐ shì tā de lǎoshī ma?)
Translation: Excuse me, are you his teacher?
Informal Ways to Say “He” in Chinese:
Informally, when conversing with friends, family, or people of similar age, you can use the following pronouns:
- 他 (tā): The same as the formal pronoun, “tā” is widely used in informal situations as well.
- 他们 (tāmen): When referring to multiple individuals as “they,” you can use this plural form.
- 他俩 (tā liǎ): This informal pronoun specifically means “the two of them” and is often used when talking about a specific pair of people.
Examples:
1. 他们是我的朋友。
(Tāmen shì wǒ de péngyou.)
Translation: They are my friends.
2. 昨天我和他俩去看电影了。
(Zuótiān wǒ hé tā liǎ qù kàn diànyǐngle.)
Translation: Yesterday, the two of us went to watch a movie.
Important Tips for Using “He” in Chinese:
1. Pronunciation: The pronunciation of “他” (tā) is similar to “tah” with a slight rising tone.
2. Neutral Gender: In Mandarin Chinese, pronouns like “他” (tā) do not differentiate between genders. The same pronoun is used for both “he” and “she.” The context usually makes it clear.
3. Singular versus Plural: Remember that Mandarin doesn’t have specific plural forms for pronouns. “他” (tā) can refer to both “he” and “she,” while “他们” (tāmen) is used for “they.”
Final Thoughts:
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of the formal and informal ways to say “he” in Chinese. Remember to use “他” (tā) for individuals in most situations and “他们” (tāmen) when referring to multiple people. Practice using these pronouns in conversations to become more familiar with their usage. Keep up the great work!
