The Chinese pronoun specifically used for God is 祂 (tā).
The Unique Pronoun for God in Chinese
In the Chinese language, while there are common third-person singular pronouns like 他 (tā) for "he," 她 (tā) for "she," and 它 (tā) for "it," a distinct character, 祂 (tā), is specifically designated for referring to God or divine beings. This demonstrates a unique linguistic respect and distinction for the divine in Chinese religious contexts.
This special pronoun emphasizes the revered and transcendent nature of God, setting it apart from ordinary human or inanimate subjects. It functions as a singular pronoun, meaning "he" or "it" when referring to the divine.
Forms of 祂
Both the traditional and simplified Chinese characters for this pronoun are identical.
| Type | Character | Pronunciation (Pinyin) | Meaning (for God) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 祂 | tā | He, It |
| Simplified | 祂 | tā | He, It |
Plural Form
When referring to multiple divine beings, or if the context requires a plural form for God, the character 祂 can be combined with 們 (men), a plural suffix. This forms 祂們 (tāmen), which means "they" (referring to gods or divine entities).
This specialized pronoun, 祂, is a key linguistic feature reflecting cultural and religious reverence within the Chinese language.
