Have you ever seen someone list their pronouns as he/they and wondered what it really means? With more people sharing pronouns online and in conversation, it’s natural to feel a little confused at first. Knowing someone’s pronouns helps you address them correctly and respectfully, which is why understanding he/they is important.
This guide will explain what he/they means, how to use it in conversation, examples in sentences and chats, etiquette tips, similar pronouns, and FAQs. By the end, you’ll be confident using he/they correctly in social media, texting, and daily interactions.
Quick Answer:
He/they means the person is comfortable being referred to with both “he/him” and “they/them” pronouns. It’s a casual, respectful way of showing gender flexibility or non-binary identity while also including masculine pronouns.
🧠 What Does He/They Mean?
He/they is a pronoun combination. It tells you how someone wants to be referred to:
- “He/him” – masculine pronouns
- “They/them” – gender-neutral or non-binary pronouns
This combination often indicates that someone is comfortable being referred to either way, or sometimes that they feel mostly masculine but also open to non-binary recognition.
Example sentence:
“Alex (he/they) said they’re bringing snacks to the meeting.”
In short:
He/they = Use either he/him or they/them pronouns = Gender-inclusive and flexible.
It’s important to use the pronouns listed, as it shows respect for the person’s identity.
📱 Where Is He/They Commonly Used?
- 🌐 Social media profiles – Instagram, Twitter, TikTok
- 💬 Texting & DMs – when clarifying pronouns
- 🏫 School or university introductions – often in emails or class forums
- 👥 Work & professional environments – in inclusive workplaces
- 🎮 Gaming chats – when identity matters in community interactions
Tone: Casual to formal, depending on the setting, but always respectful and inclusive.
💬 Examples of He/They in Conversation
Here are realistic chat examples showing how to use he/they pronouns correctly:
- A: Who’s coming to the meeting?
B: Alex (he/they) will be there. - A: Did you ask Sam to join?
B: Yes, he/they said yes. - A: I love your outfit!
B: Thanks! He/they appreciate it 😄 - A: Who’s making the presentation slides?
B: Jordan (he/they) is working on it. - A: I’m trying to remember pronouns for everyone.
B: It’s he/they for Alex, she/her for Casey. - A: Who wants to pair up for the game?
B: I’ll go with Pat (he/they).
🕓 When to Use and When NOT to Use He/They
✅ When to Use He/They
- Referring to someone who lists he/they pronouns
- Writing introductions or bios
- In respectful professional or academic communication
- On social media or forums when discussing someone
- Casual conversations with friends
❌ When Not to Use He/They
- Assuming pronouns without asking
- Using only masculine pronouns if they’ve indicated preference for both
- Making jokes or mocking pronouns
- In legal or formal documents that require full legal names or gender markers
- Ignoring pronouns in inclusive spaces
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “Alex (he/they) is coming 😄” | Casual & inclusive |
| Work Chat | “Jordan (he/they) will lead the meeting” | Professional & respectful |
| “Please coordinate with Sam (he/they) regarding the report” | Formal & clear | |
| Social Media | “Check out Pat’s post! He/they did amazing” | Friendly & public recognition |
🔄 Similar Pronouns or Alternatives
| Pronoun | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| they/them | Gender-neutral | For non-binary or neutral reference |
| she/they | Feminine & neutral | Similar flexibility for feminine identities |
| he/him | Masculine | For traditional male reference |
| xe/xem | Non-binary | For gender-neutral identification |
| ze/zir | Non-binary | Alternative neutral pronouns |
| any pronouns | Open to multiple | Use when someone allows flexibility |
🙋♂️ FAQs About He/They
1. Can I use he/they interchangeably?
Yes, but it’s polite to mix them naturally in conversation to respect both identities.
2. Does he/they mean the person is non-binary?
Not always. It usually indicates some gender flexibility, either masculine and non-binary or fluid.
3. How do I introduce someone with he/they pronouns?
Example: “This is Alex (he/they), my colleague.”
4. Can he/they be used in formal writing?
Yes, especially in professional or academic contexts when introducing someone.
5. What if I make a mistake?
Politely correct yourself: “Sorry, I meant they,” and move on — most people appreciate the effort.
6. Are he/they pronouns new?
No, but awareness has increased recently as gender identity discussions become more visible.
📝 Mini Quiz – Test Your Knowledge
1. What does he/they mean?
a) Masculine pronouns only
b) Both he/him and they/them pronouns ✅
c) Non-binary pronouns only
2. How should you use he/they?
a) Only use he/him
b) Mix he/him and they/them respectfully ✅
c) Ignore pronouns
3. Where are he/they pronouns commonly listed?
a) Social media profiles ✅
b) Legal contracts
c) Street signs
4. What should you do if you make a pronoun mistake?
a) Ignore it
b) Politely correct yourself ✅
c) Stop talking
5. Can he/they indicate non-binary identity?
a) Yes ✅
b) No
c) Only in schools
📝 Conclusion
Using he/they pronouns is a simple but powerful way to respect someone’s identity. Whether online, in texting, or in real-life conversations, acknowledging pronouns helps create inclusive, friendly, and respectful interactions. Now you know how to use he/they correctly, and you can confidently address or introduce someone while honoring their identity.
