þing
/θinɡ/
The English phrase "things" is translated into Old English as þing.
þing refers to objects or entities that exist in the physical world. Beyond physical objects, the word can also denote a matter, a case or a formal assembly/council.
How does it change in a sentence?
þing is a neuter noun. The word changes its form depending on its role in a sentence: þingum is the dative plural form, used when the word is an indirect object or follows certain prepositions. þinga is the genitive plural form, used to indicate possession or the sense of "of things".
How do you pronounce it?
/θinɡ/
Did you know?
- The Old English word þing was used to describe a judicial assembly or a parliament. This is why the modern Icelandic parliament is still called the Alþingi.
- The letter þ in þing is called 'thorn'. It was created by the Anglo-Saxons by adapting a rune from the Germanic alphabet into the Latin alphabet.
- The Proto-Germanic root *þingą likely evolved from a word meaning 'that which is put or placed'. This explains why it referred to both physical objects and the placing of a council.
Examples in context
- Wē brūcaþ þāra ilcena worda, ac sprecaþ be ōðrum þingum.We're using the same words, but talking about different things.This sentence shows how to use the form þing in a context regarding different topics of discussion.Tatoeba #13895699 by rul, translation #13076853 by rul
- Hē sēceþ þā þing on þǣm grunde.He seeks the things on the ground.
- Iċ nāt þā þing on þām hūse.I do not know the things in the house.
Example conversation
Mildryth and Eadric are organizing a room.
- MildrythHwæt sind þās þing?What are these things?
- EadricÞis sind mīne bēc.These are my books.
- MildrythHēr sind tō mānig þing.There are too many things here.
- EadricIċ wille hīe āweġ dōn.I will put them away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry þing, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries þing, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
