Use '它们' to refer to multiple non-human entities.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Pronoun for plural non-human things.
- Used for animals, objects, concepts.
- Equivalent to 'they/them' for non-humans.
Overview
“它们”是汉语中表示第三人称复数的代词，专门用于指代非人类的实体。它相当于英语中的“they”或“them”，但仅限于非人类对象。在汉语中，代词的使用通常不区分主语和宾语，因此“它们”可以同时充当主语和宾语。理解和正确使用“它们”对于初学者来说，是掌握基础代词系统的关键一步，能够帮助他们更准确地描述周围的世界。
“它们”的使用模式相对直接。作为主语时，它通常位于动词之前，表示动作的发出者。例如：“它们在草地上奔跑。”（They are running on the grass.）作为宾语时，它位于动词之后，表示动作的承受者。例如：“我喜欢看它们。”（I like watching them.）需要注意的是，“它们”不能用来指代人，指代人的复数代词是“他们”或“她们”。
“它们”经常出现在描述动物、植物、物品、抽象概念等的语境中。例如：
概念：这些想法很有趣，“它们”可能会带来新的突破。
在日常对话、阅读简单的故事或描述性文本中，“它们”是高频词汇。
“它们”最常与“他/她/它/他们/她们”进行比较。
- “他/她/它”：这是第三人称单数代词。“他”指男性，“她”指女性，“它”指非人类单数。
- “他们/她们”：这是第三人称复数代词。“他们”通常指一群男性或男女混合的群体，“她们”指一群女性。
- “它们”：专门指代复数的非人类实体。
关键区别在于“指代对象”和“数量”。“它”是单数非人类，“它们”是复数非人类。“他/她/他们/她们”则用于指代人。
Examples
这些苹果看起来很新鲜，我想买它们。
everydayThese apples look very fresh, I want to buy them.
研究表明，这些鸟类在迁徙过程中会经历巨大的能量消耗，它们需要充足的营养来维持生命。
academicResearch shows that these birds experience significant energy expenditure during migration; they need ample nutrition to sustain their lives.
孩子们在公园里玩得很开心，他们追逐着蝴蝶，看着它们在花丛中飞舞。
informalThe children were having a great time in the park, chasing butterflies and watching them fly among the flowers.
公司的政策已经更新，它们将从下个月开始生效。
formalThe company's policies have been updated; they will take effect starting next month.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
看见它们
see them
喜欢它们
like them
离开它们
leave them
Often Confused With
'它' is the singular pronoun for non-human things, while '它们' is the plural form. Use '它' for one item, '它们' for two or more.
'他们' and '她们' are used exclusively for people (plural). '他们' typically refers to a group of males or a mixed-gender group, while '她们' refers to a group of females. '它们' must never be used for people.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '它们' strictly for plural non-human subjects or objects. It is a fundamental pronoun for describing the world around us beyond human interaction. Avoid using it in contexts where personification might imply humanity.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error is using '它们' to refer to people. Always remember the distinction: humans use '他们/她们', while non-humans use '它/它们'. Another less common mistake is confusing the singular '它' with the plural '它们'.
Tips
Non-Human Plural Pronoun
Remember '它们' is exclusively for referring to groups of things, animals, or abstract ideas, never people.
Avoid Human Reference
Using '它们' for people is a common mistake. Always use '他们' or '她们' for humans.
Objectification Awareness
While '它们' is standard for non-humans, be mindful in contexts where personification might be used, though this is less common in basic Chinese.
Word Origin
The character '它' originally depicted a snake. The addition of '们' (men), a plural marker, creates '它们' to signify multiple non-human entities. This plural marker is commonly added to pronouns and nouns to indicate plurality.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, while animals might be treated with affection, the grammatical distinction between humans and non-humans in pronouns like '它们' is strictly maintained in standard language.
Memory Tip
Think of '它' (it) and add an extra 'men' (们) to make it plural '它们' (them), just for things, not people!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“它们”专门用于指代复数的非人类事物、动物或概念。“他们”和“她们”则用于指代复数的人，分别偏向指男性或混合群体（他们）和女性群体（她们）。
“它”是第三人称单数代词，指一个非人类的个体。“它们”是第三人称复数代词，指多个非人类的个体。例如，一只猫是“它”，一群猫是“它们”。
“它们”可以作为句子的主语，放在动词前面；也可以作为宾语，放在动词后面。例如：“它们在飞”（主语），“我看见它们”（宾语）。
绝对不能。“它们”是专门为非人类事物准备的代词。指代人时必须使用“他”、“她”、“他们”或“她们”。
Test Yourself
桌子上有几本书，请把___整理一下。
“书”是复数且非人类，所以应该用复数非人类代词“它们”。
以下哪个选项正确使用了代词“它们”？
选项“我喜欢看它们在水里游泳”中的“它们”指代的是非人类（例如鱼、鸭子等），符合用法。其他选项将“它们”用于指代人，是错误的。
请用“猫”，“喜欢”，“它们”，“我”组成一个句子。
这个选项用“它们”指代复数的猫，符合“它们”的用法，并且句子通顺。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '它们' to refer to multiple non-human entities.
- Pronoun for plural non-human things.
- Used for animals, objects, concepts.
- Equivalent to 'they/them' for non-humans.
Non-Human Plural Pronoun
Remember '它们' is exclusively for referring to groups of things, animals, or abstract ideas, never people.
Avoid Human Reference
Using '它们' for people is a common mistake. Always use '他们' or '她们' for humans.
Objectification Awareness
While '它们' is standard for non-humans, be mindful in contexts where personification might be used, though this is less common in basic Chinese.
Examples
4 of 4这些苹果看起来很新鲜，我想买它们。
These apples look very fresh, I want to buy them.
研究表明，这些鸟类在迁徙过程中会经历巨大的能量消耗，它们需要充足的营养来维持生命。
Research shows that these birds experience significant energy expenditure during migration; they need ample nutrition to sustain their lives.
孩子们在公园里玩得很开心，他们追逐着蝴蝶，看着它们在花丛中飞舞。
The children were having a great time in the park, chasing butterflies and watching them fly among the flowers.
公司的政策已经更新，它们将从下个月开始生效。
The company's policies have been updated; they will take effect starting next month.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
