Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.
Frequency#363DifficultyMedium
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)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 它们
它们Simplified
它們Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 它们
Podcast: 它们
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 它们 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 它们 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 它们
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 它们
Use 它们 when referring to inanimate objects or animals, and 他们 for people.
It is generally used in informal contexts; for formal writing, consider using specific nouns instead.
Yes, 它们 can refer to a group of different inanimate objects.
