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What is the Meaning of “His”?

His
/hɪz/

Shows that something belongs to a man or boy.

Definition of His

Quick Meaning of His

Shows that something belongs to a man or boy.

Detailed Definition of His

Possessive pronoun showing something belongs to or is associated with a male.

How to Pronounce His

IPA: /hɪz/
his

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: Sounds like "hiz" with a z sound, not "hiss".

Watch out: Often pronounced with s sound like "hiss"; correct is z sound "hiz".

Full pronunciation guide for “his” →

Origin and Etymology of His

Old English his, from he (he) plus genitive ending -es.

How to Use His in a Sentence

Each example shows “his” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “This is his book and that is mine.”
    A1 daily
  • “His brother works in the city.”
    A1 daily
  • “He brought his friend to the party.”
    A1 daily

Synonyms and Antonyms of His

Common Synonyms for His

Smart Synonyms for His — When to Use Each

her
for showing female possession instead
mine
for showing first person possession standalone

See all synonyms for “his” →

Common Collocations with His

These phrases pair with “his” in everyday English:

  • his family
  • his work
  • his own

Common Mistakes When Using His

Even fluent speakers slip up with “his”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: That is he book.
✓ Correct: That is his book.
Why: Use the possessive pronoun his, not the subject pronoun he.
✗ Wrong: He gave the pen to he.
✓ Correct: He gave the pen to him.
Why: After a verb or preposition, use him (object), not his (possessive).

Words Confused With His

  • His vs He: he is subject pronoun; his is possessive Compare →
  • His vs Him: him is object pronoun; his is possessive Compare →

Frequently Asked Questions About His

What is the meaning of "His"?

Shows that something belongs to a man or boy.

How do you pronounce "His"?

The IPA is /hɪz/. Sounds like "hiz" with a z sound, not "hiss".

What part of speech is "His"?

"His" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "His"?

Common synonyms include his own, possession of him, his property.

How do you use "His" in a sentence?

For example: "This is his book and that is mine."

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