它们

§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

Alright, let's get straight to it. You've learned about personal pronouns in Chinese like 我 (wǒ) for 'I', 你 (nǐ) for 'you', and 他/她 (tā) for 'he/she'. Now, what about 'they' or 'them' for things, animals, or even abstract concepts? That's where 它们 (tāmen) comes in. It's your go-to pronoun when you're talking about multiple non-human items.

DEFINITION

它们 (tāmen) translates to 'they' or 'them', specifically for multiple non-human subjects or objects.

Think of it as the plural version of 它 (tā), which means 'it'. Just like how you add -s or -es in English to make things plural, in Chinese, for pronouns, you often add 们 (men) to indicate plurality. So, 它 (it) + 们 (plural marker) = 它们 (they/them non-human).

When do you use it? Anytime you're referring to more than one thing that isn't a person. This could be:

• Animals: If you have two cats, you'd talk about 它们.
• Objects: A bunch of books? 它们.
• Concepts: Ideas, feelings, abstract notions? If there's more than one, you'd use 它们.
• Plants: A group of trees or flowers? You guessed it, 它们.

It’s pretty straightforward. The key is 'non-human' and 'plural'. If it’s one non-human thing, use 它 (tā). If it’s multiple non-human things, use 它们 (tāmen). Don't overthink it, but do make sure you're not using it for people. That's what 他们 (tāmen) or 她们 (tāmen) are for, which we'll cover separately.

Translation hint: These books are very interesting, I like to read them.

Translation hint: My cats are very cute, they often play together.

So, when you see 们 attached to a pronoun, immediately think 'plural'. And when it's attached to 它 (tā), you know you're talking about multiple non-human things. Keep an eye out for the radical on the left side of the character: the 'animal/roof' radical (⼏ or 宀) in 它 (tā) helps you remember it's for non-humans. While 们 (men) does not change the meaning of 'non-human', it does change the quantity from singular to plural.

Let’s look at a few more examples to cement this in your brain. Pay close attention to how '它们' is used in context. It replaces a noun phrase referring to multiple non-human entities.

Translation hint: These flowers smell great, they are blooming beautifully.

Translation hint: Those problems are difficult, I don't know how to solve them.

You'll notice that 它们 (tāmen) can be both the subject of a sentence (like 'they are blooming') or the object (like 'solve them'). Its function in the sentence is similar to 'they' or 'them' in English, just remember that crucial 'non-human' distinction.

§ Understanding 它们 (tāmen)

Alright, let's talk about 它们 (tāmen). This is a really important pronoun in Chinese. You know how in English we use "they" and "them" for both people and things? Well, Chinese is a bit more specific. 它们 (tāmen) is your go-to when you're talking about groups of non-human things or animals. Think of your pets, books, cars, or even ideas – if there's more than one, 它们 (tāmen) is the word you need.

§ How to Use 它们 (tāmen) as a Subject

Just like in English, 它们 (tāmen) can be the subject of a sentence, meaning it's the one doing the action. It usually comes at the beginning of the sentence or after another subject if you're linking ideas.

Translation hint: They are all very beautiful. (Referring to flowers, paintings, etc.)

Translation hint: These books are interesting, they are worth reading.

§ Using 它们 (tāmen) as an Object

When 它们 (tāmen) is the object, it's the thing that the action is being done to. It will typically come after the verb.

Translation hint: I like these apples, I want to buy them.

Translation hint: Did you see those birds? I really like them.

§ 它们 (tāmen) with Prepositions

You can also use 它们 (tāmen) after prepositions. This is just like how you'd say "to them," "for them," or "with them" in English. Common prepositions include 跟 (gēn - with), 对 (duì - to/for), 从 (cóng - from), etc.

Translation hint: Please give water to them. (Referring to plants, animals.)

Translation hint: My opinion of them is positive. (Referring to new policies, designs.)

§ Possessive Form: 它们的 (tāmen de)

To show possession, you simply add 的 (de) after 它们 (tāmen). This works just like adding an 's in English to show something belongs to "them."

Translation hint: Their colors are very vibrant. (Referring to flowers, birds.)

Translation hint: I like these dogs, their toys are all here.

§ Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake learners make is using 它们 (tāmen) for people. Don't do it! For people, you use 他们 (tāmen - masculine/mixed group) or 她们 (tāmen - feminine group). The pronunciation is the same, but the characters are different, and the meaning is distinct.

Correct

那些猫很可爱，它们 在睡觉。(Nàxiē māo hěn kě'ài, tāmen zài shuìjiào.) - Those cats are cute, they are sleeping.

Incorrect

那些学生很聪明，它们 学习很快。(Nàxiē xuéshēng hěn cōngmíng, tāmen xuéxí hěn kuài.) - This is wrong because students are people. You should use 他们.

Also, don't overcomplicate it. Sometimes, Chinese omits pronouns when the context is clear. But when you need to specify "they" or "them" for non-humans, 它们 (tāmen) is your word.

§ Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to get comfortable with 它们 (tāmen) is to use it. Look around you. See a group of objects? A flock of birds? Think about how you'd describe them using 它们 (tāmen). The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

• Identify five non-human plural nouns around you (e.g., pens, flowers, shoes, clouds, cars).

• For each noun, create a simple sentence using 它们 (tāmen) as the subject or object.

• Try to use 它们的 (tāmen de) to show possession for a couple of them.

Keep at it, and you'll master 它们 (tāmen) in no time!

§ Don't confuse 它们 with 他们 or 她们

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Chinese pronouns is mixing up 它们 (tāmen), 他们 (tāmen), and 她们 (tāmen). While all three are pronounced the same – 'tāmen' – their meanings are distinct and tied to the type of noun they replace. 它们 is exclusively for non-human things or animals. Think of 'it' or 'they/them' when referring to objects, concepts, or animals. On the other hand, 他们 is the general plural pronoun for people (male or mixed gender groups), and 她们 is specifically for groups of females. Using the wrong 'tāmen' won't usually lead to a misunderstanding in spoken Chinese because of context, but it's important for correct written Chinese and demonstrates a better grasp of the language.

DEFINITION

它们 (tāmen): they, them (non-human)

Here's an example to show you the difference:

Translation hint: These books are very interesting, they (the books) are my favorite.

Contrast that with:

Translation hint: My friends are very busy today, they (the friends) are going to work.

§ Omitting 它们 when it's clear from context

Another common mistake is overusing 它们. In Chinese, it's very common to omit pronouns when the subject is clear from the context. English speakers often feel the need to always include a 'they' or 'them', but in Chinese, this can sound redundant or unnatural. If you've already introduced the non-human subject, you often don't need to repeat 它们 in subsequent clauses or sentences.

Let's look at an example:

Translation hint: These apples are very fresh, they (the apples) taste very sweet.

While this is not incorrect, a more natural Chinese sentence would often omit 它们:

Translation hint: These apples are very fresh, taste very sweet.

The context makes it clear that 'taste very sweet' refers to 'these apples'. You only need 它们 if there's a risk of ambiguity or if you want to add emphasis. Think about it: if you're talking about apples, and then say 'they' taste sweet, it's clear you're still talking about apples. The same logic applies in Chinese.

• When to use 它们: When introducing a new non-human plural subject, or when you need to clearly differentiate between multiple subjects in a more complex sentence.
• When to omit 它们: When the subject has already been established and there's no ambiguity about what you're referring to.

§ Using 它们 for abstract concepts

Remember, 它们 isn't just for physical objects or animals. It can also refer to abstract concepts or ideas in the plural. For example, if you're talking about 'ideas' or 'problems', and you want to say 'they' or 'them', you would use 它们.

Translation hint: These problems are difficult, I don't know how to solve them (the problems).

By keeping these points in mind, you'll avoid common pitfalls and use 它们 more accurately and naturally in your Chinese communication. Practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate 它们 into your sentences, paying attention to when it's necessary and when it can be gracefully omitted.