它们 tā men
“they (for inanimate objects)”
pronoun2021 list level 2Traditional 它們
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
它们 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 203: 它们 tāmen — Level 1; official annotation 1 (代). PDF page 85
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 它们
它们 is the third-person plural pronoun for things and animals, never for people. It can be a subject or an object: 它们是新的 / 我很喜欢它们. For people use 他们 or 她们.
例句Example sentences
- 这些花很好看，我很喜欢它们。zhè xiē huā hěn hǎo kàn, wǒ hěn xǐ huan tā men.These flowers are beautiful; I like them very much.
- 小猫饿了，它们在叫。xiǎo māo è le, tā men zài jiào.The kittens are hungry and are meowing.
- 桌子上有几本书，它们是新的。zhuō zi shàng yǒu jǐ běn shū, tā men shì xīn de.There are some books on the table; they are new.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗它们是我的同学。
✓他们是我的同学。
同学们 are people, so use 他们, not 它们; 它们 refers only to things or animals.
易混词Easily confused
它们vs他们
他们 is for people, including a male or mixed group; 它们 is only for things and animals.