hū
The English phrase how is translated into Old English as hū.
The word is used to ask about manner or degree.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Old English, hū functions as an interrogative adverb to ask about manner or degree.
Did you know?
- In Old English, the word hū was frequently used in 'exclamatory' sentences to express surprise or disbelief, rather than just to ask a question.
- In early Germanic roots, the concept behind hū was linked to the idea of 'what' or 'which' rather than just the 'way' something is done.
- The macron over the 'u' in hū is added by modern editors to show a long vowel. Old English scribes did not write it.
Examples in context
- Hū eald eart þū?How old are you?Tatoeba #8466119 by Rawrren, translation #436243 by lukaszpp
- And hū mæg hē þæt dōn?And how can he do that?Tatoeba #13855213 by rul, translation #13850525 by rul
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Osric and Eadgyth are discussing a new building project.
- OsricHū sculon wē þis hūs timban?How shall we build this house?
- EadgythWē timban hit mid stānum.We build it with stones.
- OsricHū mæg þæt bēon riht?How can that be right?
- EadgythStānas sind strangere þonne trēow.Stones are stronger than wood.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
