The word “him” carries a quiet power, a single syllable that points to a person, a presence, a story. I remember sitting in a bustling café in Istanbul, overhearing a conversation in Turkish where a woman gestured animatedly, saying “onu” to describe a man who had changed her life.
That moment struck me—how a simple pronoun, so small yet so significant, could bridge emotions across cultures. Whether it’s a father, a friend, a lover, or a stranger, “him” holds a universal thread, tying humanity together through shared experiences of connection, respect, and identity.
This blog post explores how “him” is expressed across languages and cultures, revealing the beauty of our differences and the unity beneath them.
Reference Table: “Him” Across Languages
Below is a table showcasing how “him” is expressed in various languages, along with cultural or linguistic insights.
| Language | Word for “Him” | Cultural/Linguistic Insight |
| Spanish | Él | Used for both “he” and “him,” reflecting Spanish’s gendered grammar. |
| French | Lui | “Lui” is used as an indirect object pronoun, often carrying a formal or intimate tone. |
| German | Ihn | The accusative case “ihn” reflects German’s precise grammatical structure. |
| Italian | Lui | Similar to French, “lui” can denote affection or emphasis in casual conversation. |
| Mandarin | 他 (Tā) | Gender-neutral pronoun, used for both “he” and “she,” reflecting inclusivity in modern use. |
| Hindi | उसे (Usse) | The pronoun shifts based on context, showing Hindi’s sensitivity to social dynamics. |
| Japanese | 彼 (Kare) | Often used in romantic contexts, carrying a sense of familiarity or affection. |
| Korean | 그 (Geu) | Context-dependent, often omitted in casual speech, reflecting Korean’s minimalist style. |
| Arabic | هو (Huwa) | Used across 20+ Arab countries, with slight dialectical variations in pronunciation. |
| Swahili | Yeye | Common in East Africa, “yeye” is gender-neutral, emphasizing inclusivity. |
| Zulu | Yena | Used in South Africa, often with respectful tones in storytelling or formal settings. |
| Yoruba | Òun | In Nigeria, “òun” carries a sense of individuality, often tied to cultural narratives. |
| Maori | Ia | In New Zealand, “ia” is gender-neutral, reflecting Maori’s holistic view of identity. |
| Hawaiian | Iā ia | Used in Hawaii, often with poetic undertones in storytelling or chants. |
| Cherokee | Udv | A pronoun rooted in Cherokee’s complex grammar, used in storytelling to honor individuals. |
European Languages: A Tapestry of Tradition
In European languages, “him” is woven into the fabric of gendered grammar and cultural nuance. In Spanish, “él” serves as both “he” and “him,” used in passionate flamenco lyrics or casual café chats in Spain and Latin America. The word carries warmth, often tied to familial or romantic contexts. In French, “lui” is versatile, used as an indirect object pronoun in phrases like “Je lui parle” (I’m talking to him), evoking intimacy or formality depending on tone. Across France, Belgium, and Switzerland, it’s a word that dances between politeness and affection.
German’s “ihn” is precise, reflecting the language’s grammatical rigor. In Germany or Austria, saying “Ich liebe ihn” (I love him) carries a weight of sincerity, often reserved for deep emotions. In Italian, “lui” mirrors French in its flexibility, used in Italy’s vibrant street markets or poetic sonnets. Italians might say “Parlo con lui” (I’m speaking with him) with a flourish, emphasizing connection. These languages, spoken across countries like Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and beyond, show how “him” reflects both linguistic structure and cultural values of community and respect.
Asian Languages: Diversity in Expression
Asia’s linguistic landscape is vast, spanning over 20 countries with unique ways of saying “him.” In Mandarin, spoken in China, Taiwan, and Singapore, “tā” is a gender-neutral pronoun, a fascinating reflection of modern inclusivity. In a Beijing classroom, a teacher might say “Tā hěn cōngmíng” (He is very smart), using the same pronoun for any gender, emphasizing equality. Hindi, spoken in India and parts of Fiji, uses “usse” in sentences like “Main usse pyar karta hoon” (I love him), where the pronoun shifts based on social context, reflecting India’s intricate social hierarchy.
In Japanese, “kare” is often romantic, used in anime dialogues or love letters, as in “Kare wa kawaii” (He is cute). Across Japan, it carries a sense of familiarity. Korean’s “geu,” used in South Korea, is often omitted in casual speech, as in “Saranghae” (I love [him]), relying on context to convey meaning—a hallmark of Korean minimalism. Arabic’s “huwa,” used in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, is consistent yet varies slightly in dialect, such as “howa” in Egyptian Arabic. These languages highlight Asia’s diversity, where “him” adapts to cultural values of respect, romance, or equality.
African Languages: Stories and Respect
Africa’s linguistic diversity, spanning over 20 countries, offers rich expressions of “him.” In Swahili, spoken in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, “yeye” is gender-neutral, used in phrases like “Namwona yeye” (I see him). Its inclusivity reflects Swahili’s role as a unifying language in East Africa. Zulu’s “yena,” used in South Africa, carries respect, often heard in storytelling circles: “Yena uyathandwa” (He is loved). Yoruba’s “òun,” spoken in Nigeria and Benin, is tied to narratives of individuality, as in “Òun ni eniyan nla” (He is a great person).
These languages, also spoken in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda, show how “him” is more than a pronoun—it’s a vessel for cultural values like respect, community, and storytelling. In African societies, pronouns often carry a weight of history, used in proverbs or oral traditions to honor individuals.
Indigenous & Island Languages: Sacred Connections
Indigenous and island languages, spoken in over 20 countries, offer profound insights into “him.” In Maori, spoken in New Zealand, “ia” is gender-neutral, used in phrases like “Kei te aroha au ki a ia” (I love him), reflecting a holistic view of identity tied to nature and community. Hawaiian’s “iā ia,” used in Hawaii, appears in chants or stories, as in “Aloha au iā ia” (I love him), carrying poetic reverence. Cherokee’s “udv,” spoken in the United States, is part of complex grammar, used in tales that honor ancestors, like “Udv galvquododi” (He is respected).
Samoan’s “ia,” used in Samoa and American Samoa, is similar, often tied to communal values, as in “Ou te alofa ia te ia” (I love him). These languages, also spoken in places like Fiji, Tonga, and Native American communities, show how “him” is deeply tied to spirituality, ancestry, and collective identity.
Cultural Insights: A Historical Tapestry
The pronoun “him” has evolved across civilizations, rooted in linguistic and cultural shifts. In ancient Latin, “eum” (him) was used in Roman texts, reflecting a patriarchal society where men were central figures. In Sanskrit, the root of Hindi, “tam” carried similar weight in Vedic hymns. Over time, as languages like Mandarin adopted gender-neutral pronouns, “him” became a symbol of inclusivity in modern contexts.
In religious contexts, “him” often refers to divine figures. In Arabic, “huwa” is used in the Quran to describe Allah, carrying reverence across Muslim-majority countries. In Maori culture, “ia” connects to spiritual ancestors, blending the human and divine. Historically, pronouns like “him” have shaped narratives, from epic tales in Yoruba oral traditions to romantic sonnets in Italian Renaissance poetry, showing their enduring emotional power.
Proverbs: Wisdom in Words
Proverbs and sayings about “him” reveal cultural values:
- Spanish: “A él que lo quiere, lo encuentra” (He who seeks him, finds him) – Emphasizes determination in relationships.
- Mandarin: “他山之石，可以攻玉” (Another’s stone can polish your jade) – Suggests learning from others.
- Swahili: “Yeye ni kioo cha jamii” (He is the mirror of society) – Reflects the role of individuals in community.
- Maori: “He tangata takahi manuhiri, he marae puehu” (A person who mistreats him, a guest, leaves a dusty marae) – Stresses hospitality.
- Yoruba: “Òun ni idi rere” (He is the reason for goodness) – Highlights the positive impact of individuals.
These sayings show how “him” carries universal themes of connection, respect, and influence across cultures.
FAQs
Why does “him” sound similar in many languages?
Pronouns often derive from ancient linguistic roots, like Indo-European or Semitic languages, leading to similarities (e.g., “lui” in French and Italian). Shared cultural exchanges also influence pronoun forms.
What’s the oldest known usage of “him”?
Old English “him” and Latin “eum” date back over a millennium, with roots in Proto-Indo-European languages around 4000 BCE, used to denote male figures in early texts.
How do cultural differences affect the expression of “him”?
In collectivist cultures like Japan, pronouns are often omitted, emphasizing context over individuality. In individualistic cultures like Germany, “ihn” is explicit, reflecting directness.
Conclusion: The Power of “Him”
The word “him,” in its many forms, is a bridge across cultures, carrying stories of love, respect, and identity. From the poetic “iā ia” in Hawaiian chants to the inclusive “tā” in Mandarin, it reflects humanity’s shared need to connect with others. Its simplicity belies its depth, a reminder that even the smallest words hold profound meaning. How do you say
