is
[ˈɪs]
In Latin, the English phrase "he" can be expressed using is, ille or hic.
Meaning: personal pronoun "he" (pron)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| is | [ˈɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈis] (narrow) |
| ille | [ˈɪl.lɛ] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈil.le] (narrow) |
| hic | [ˈhɪk] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈik] (narrow) |
These forms function as personal pronouns to refer to a male subject.
Which one should you use?
hic is used to emphasize "this man" or "this one" (often someone closer to the speaker). ille is used to emphasize "that man" or "that one" (often someone further away or previously discussed).
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form of is is ei, which means "they". To express the possessive "his", use the genitive form eius.
Did you know?
- The pronoun hic is related to a Sanskrit particle ha used as an intensifier.
Examples in context
- Jam is hic est.He is already here.This sentence demonstrates the use of is to state someone's presence.Tatoeba #5121854 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #293055 by CK
- Is in culina est.He is in the kitchen.This sentence shows how to use is to describe a location.Tatoeba #1309317 by alexmarcelo, translation #434934 by lukaszpp
- Ille est Li Ying.He is Li Ying.This sentence illustrates the use of ille to identify a person.Tatoeba #1486395 by Hans07, translation #380193 by kellenparker
- Is ambulat in horto.He walks in the garden.
- Ipse currit.He himself is running.
- Ille vocat.He is calling.
- 365 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are looking at a man in the distance.
- LuciusIs est amicus meus.He is my friend.
- LuciaEstne is Marcus?Is he Marcus?
- LuciusIta, is est Marcus.Yes, he is Marcus.
- LuciaBene est.That is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “he” translations and entries is, ille, hic, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hic, ille, is, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
