其

• Pinyin: qí
• Hanzi breakdown: 其 = pictograph, ancient form depicted a basket or winnowing tray; borrowed for pronoun use

Meaning

Its; his; her; their; that. A literary pronoun referring to previously mentioned people or things.

A classical Chinese pronoun still widely used in formal writing and set phrases. Common patterns: 其中 (among them), 其他 (other), 其实 (actually), 其次 (secondly), 尤其 (especially). More formal than 他的/它的 in modern usage.

Examples

1. 这个方案其实并不难实施。 This plan is actually not difficult to implement.
2. 这本书很有价值，尤其是其中关于历史的部分。 This book is very valuable, especially the parts about history.
3. 公司有五个部门，其中两个在北京。 The company has five departments, two of which are in Beijing.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, formal speech, idioms

Tone: literary

Do Say

• 其实我早就知道了。(Actually, I knew a long time ago.)
• 这件事尤其重要。(This matter is especially important.)

Don't Say

• 其来了。(其 is not used as a standalone subject pronoun in modern Chinese — use 他/她/它)

Origin & History

Ancient Chinese pronoun originally meaning 'that' or 'its'. Preserved in modern Chinese primarily in compound words and formal expressions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal