ille
[ˈɪl.lɛ]
In Latin, the English phrase "the" can be expressed using the demonstrative ille. If unsure, use ille. Wiktionary also lists ly and ipse.
Meaning: article (article)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| ille | [ˈɪl.lɛ] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈil.le] (narrow) |
| ly | |
| ipse | [ˈɪp.sɛ] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈip.se] (narrow) |
Latin does not have a definite article (like 'the') that is strictly required by grammar in the same way English does. ille is used when the speaker wants to emphasize or specify a particular subject.
Which one should you use?
While ille functions as a demonstrative to point out "that" specific thing, ipse is used as an intensive pronoun to mean "the very" or "the same" (e.g., 'the very man').
How does it change in a sentence?
In Latin, the word for 'the' is often expressed by the demonstrative pronoun ille, which literally means 'that' and is used to specify a particular person or thing.
Examples in context
- Qui capit ille facit.If the cap fits, wear it.This sentence shows how ille can be used in a proverbial context.Tatoeba #7434346 by jimkillock, translation #3501305 by CK
- Quam stultus est ille?How stupid is the guy?This example demonstrates using ille to refer to a specific person.Tatoeba #11836844 by soridsolid, translation #9928367 by Nylez
- Esne Thomas Jackson ille?Are you the Tom Jackson?This sentence uses ille to emphasize the identity of a specific person.Tatoeba #11627647 by shekitten, translation #11627581 by shekitten
- 167 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Lucia are looking for a specific book in a library.
- QuintusUbi est ille liber?Where is that book?
- LuciaEst in mensa, Quinte.It is on the table, Quintus.
- QuintusVideo illum librum nunc.I see that book now.
- LuciaLego ego etiam illum.I am reading that one too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “the” translations and entries ille, ly, ipse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
