they
Originating from Old Norse 'þeir', the word has evolved through Middle English.
PRON
(1)
[/ðeɪ/en-US]
ellos
literal
/
ellas
literal
/
ello
gender-neutral
/
aquellos
contextualplural
/
ellas
femaleplural
/
ellos
maleplural
/
grupo
untranslatable
(While 'grupo' can refer to a group including people of any gender, it does not have the exact personal pronoun function of 'they' in English.)
Used as a third-person plural pronoun to refer to two or more people, animals, or things previously mentioned or easily identifiable. It is also increasingly used as a singular pronoun to refer to a person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or who identifies as non-binary. This singular use provides a gender-neutral option where traditional gendered pronouns (like 'he' or 'she') might not be appropriate or inclusive. Additionally, 'they' can refer to people in general or an unspecified group.
no irregular forms
- The students finished their project. They presented it to the class. — This refers to multiple students.
- Someone left their umbrella behind. I hope they come back for it. — Used for a person whose gender is unknown or unspecified.
- My friend Alex uses 'they/them' pronouns. They are coming to visit next week. — Used for an individual who identifies as non-binary.
- They say that laughter is the best medicine. — Refers to people in general or an unknown group.