Everyday English pronunciation

they

/ðeɪ/

Syllables
1
IPA
/ðeɪ/
Path
/everyday/they/

This is a dedicated page at /everyday/they/. Audio uses free dictionary clips when available, otherwise browser speech after you click Play.

Meaning

pronoun

(the third-person plural) A group of people, animals, plants or objects previously mentioned.

“Dogs may bark if they want to be fed.”

pronoun

(the third-person singular, sometimes proscribed) A single person, previously mentioned, especially if of unknown or non-binary gender, but typically not if previously named and identified as male or female.

“They requested a seat at Friday's performance but didn't say if they preferred the balcony or the floor.”

pronoun

(indefinite pronoun, vague meaning) People; some people; people in general; someone, excluding the speaker.

“Ha, you believe the moon is real? That's just what they want you to think.”

How to pronounce they

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur page for “they” on .
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA / phonetic spelling shown for “they” so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear free reference audio for “they” in the labeled accent.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “they” aloud, matching stress and vowels. Replay Slow if available until it feels natural.

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