Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Gender-Neutral Pronouns in Chinese Language
In late 2025, there was a big discussion about adding a new word, 'ta', to the Chinese language.
This word is for people who don't feel like just 'he' or 'she' fits them.
It's like 'they' in English, but for Chinese.
Some people are happy because it helps them feel seen and included.
Others aren't sure because Chinese already has a word 'ta' that can mean 'he', 'she', or 'they' when spoken.
Around the world, different countries are also trying to add new words like this to their languages.
It's all about making sure everyone feels represented and respected.
But not everyone agrees, and it's a big topic of debate.
A gender-neutral pronoun 'ta' has been approved by Unicode Standards for Chinese language.
The pronoun aims to provide digital recognition and easier typing for non-binary and gender-diverse Chinese speakers.
Critics argue that Chinese already has a neutral pronoun 'ta' in speech, making the change unnecessary.
Global examples include Sweden's 'hen', English's singular 'they', and French's 'iel'.
Implementation and acceptance of the new pronoun vary by language and cultural context.
- Who
- Non-binary and gender-diverse Chinese speakers, activists, critics, Unicode Standards
- What
- Introduction of a gender-neutral pronoun (ta) in Chinese language
- When
- Late 2025
- Where
- China, global context (Sweden, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese)
- Why
- To gain digital recognition and easier typing, to express identity and inclusivity
- Pronoun
- ta
- Unicode Standard
- Approved
- Language
- Chinese
- Global Context
- Sweden, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
- Activists
- Queer and non-binary communities
- Critics
- Traditionalists and preservationists
- Implementation
- Widespread tech implementation pending
- Usage
- Informal online recognition