zij

Zij is a pronoun in Dutch that can function as both a third-person feminine singular pronoun meaning "she" and a third-person plural pronoun meaning "they." In sentences, the form of the accompanying verb distinguishes singular from plural: for example, Zij is hier means "She is here," while Zij zijn hier means "They are here." In everyday speech, the pronoun ze is more common, but zij remains fully correct and recognizable.

Capitalization and usage notes: In standard Dutch orthography, pronouns are written in lowercase except at the beginning of a sentence. Therefore Zij appears only as the first word of a sentence or within titles or quoted material, not as a distinct, capitalized form with a different meaning.

Etymology and cognates: Zij derives from the same Germanic roots that produced German sie and the English pronouns she and they. The form has parallels across related languages, reflecting a shared Proto-Germanic heritage for the third-person feminine and plural pronouns.

Variants and related forms: The pronoun can also be written as ze in informal contexts, which corresponds to the same set of meanings (she or they) but with a more casual tone. The choice between zij and ze can reflect register, emphasis, or rhythm in a sentence.

Notes on meaning: The interpretation of zij depends on a verb form and context. With singular reference, the verb is singular (zij is → zij is), and with plural reference, the verb is plural (zij zijn). This dual use is typical of Dutch pronouns and is a common source of ambiguity for learners without clear verb agreement.