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它们 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
它们tāmenthey (for inanimate objects)HSK 1, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #363, Easy
tāmen(ta1men5)ta men T1
  1. 1they (for inanimate objects)
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March 24, 2026

它们(它們)tāmen(ta1men5)

它们 (tā men) is the plural form of 'it' used to refer to inanimate objects or animals in Mandarin. It is commonly used when discussing multiple items or entities without a specific gender, making it essential for effective communication about groups of non-human subjects.

Strokes10Frequency#363DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the distinction between animate and inanimate pronouns is important, reflecting a deep respect for all elements of life, including nature and objects that serve a purpose.

Memory Tip

Imagine a group of 'ta' (他, he) and 'men' (们, plural marker) working together on a project. They are all inanimate objects like books and chairs. Visualize these items collaborating, symbolizing how 它们 refers to multiple non-living entities.

Meanings of 它们

tāmen(ta1men5)
1they (for inanimate objects)
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About 它们

它们Simplified
它們Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 它们

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Podcast: 它们

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AI Study Notes for 它们

Quick Contrast

它 (tā) is the singular form of 'it', used for inanimate objects or animals, while 它们 (tāmen) is the plural form.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 它们 when referring to people, which is incorrect; instead, use 他们 (tā men) for males or a mixed group. 它们 is informal and primarily used in spoken language, so be cautious in academic writing.

HSK Study Tips

While 它们 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects well with basic vocabulary related to objects and animals. Students should focus on practicing plural forms and differentiating between human and non-human pronouns.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 它们 with 他们 when referring to groups of people; remember 它们 is strictly for non-human entities. For example, saying 它们在这里 (They are here) when referring to friends is incorrect; use 他们在这里 instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 它们

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Component Characters

它tāit
HSK 15 strokes宀
View full entry
们menplural marker for pronouns, and nouns referring to individuals
HSK 15 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say they (for inanimate objects) in Chinese

“they (for inanimate objects)” in Chinese is它们tāmen

它们 (tā men) is the plural form of 'it' used to refer to inanimate objects or animals in Mandarin. It is commonly used when discussing multiple items or entities without a specific gender, making it essential for effective communication about groups of non-human subjects.

When to use 它们

Common mistakes include using 它们 when referring to people, which is incorrect; instead, use 他们 (tā men) for males or a mixed group. 它们 is informal and primarily used in spoken language, so be cautious in academic writing.

它们 or something close to it

它 (tā) is the singular form of 'it', used for inanimate objects or animals, while 它们 (tāmen) is the plural form.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 它们 with 他们 when referring to groups of people; remember 它们 is strictly for non-human entities. For example, saying 它们在这里 (They are here) when referring to friends is incorrect; use 他们在这里 instead.

Write 它们

它
们

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Frequently Asked Questions about 它们

Use 它们 when referring to inanimate objects or animals, and 他们 for people.

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