hīe
In Old English, 'them' is translated as hīe.
The word hīe is a third personal plural pronoun used after a preposition or as the object of a verb.
Meaning: third personal plural pronoun used after a preposition or as the object of a verb (pron)
Which one should you use?
While hīe can mean 'them' in the accusative or dative, it is also the standard nominative form for 'they'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form hīe is used as the accusative or dative object of a verb or after a preposition.
Did you know?
- The Old English word hīe is a distant ancestor of the modern word 'they', but the modern 'them' was actually borrowed from Old Norse speakers who settled in England.
- While hīe was common in prose, Old English poets often used different plural pronouns to fit the strict rhythmic meter of their verse.
- Because hīe sounded very similar to the word for 'he', Old English writers sometimes added extra words to clarify if they meant one person or many people.
Examples in context
- Ēac ic hīe lufie.I love them too.This sentence shows how to use hīe as the object of the verb 'to love'.Tatoeba #13894201 by rul, translation #13130844 by rul
- Ic ā hīe mid mē bere.I always carry them with me.This sentence demonstrates the use of hīe following a preposition.Tatoeba #13850665 by rul, translation #13835540 by rul
- Ic wēne þæt hē hīe ġestolen hæbbe.I think he stole them.This sentence illustrates hīe acting as the object of the verb 'to steal'.Tatoeba #13958154 by rul, translation #12251734 by Miktsoanit
Example conversation
Wulfrun and Eadric are talking about some missing sheep.
- WulfrunHwǣr sind þā sceap?Where are the sheep?
- EadricIc ne sēo hīe.I do not see them.
- WulfrunSēce þū hīe nū!Seek them now!
- EadricIc gā tō him.I am going to them.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
