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i A1 n

Independent pronoun: first person plural

  1. we, us (see usage notes)

Usage notes[edit]

Unlike the suffix pronouns and dependent pronouns, the independent pronouns are not tied to any other element of the sentence. Nevertheless, their meaning depends on context.

  • After an infinitive, it is the subject of the verb.
  • Before a noun, its meaning can be ambiguous
    • In the first and second person, it could be the subject of a noun phrase
    • Alternatively, in all persons, it can be the predicate of a noun phrase
    • But if the noun is a participle, then in all persons it could be either the subject or the predicate of a noun phrase.
    • If the demonstrative pronoun pw is placed between the pronoun and the noun, the pronoun is definitly the predicate
  • Before an adjective, in the first person only, it is the subject of an adjectival phrase.

When the independent pronoun is the subject it may, but not always, indicate an emphasised subject.

There is an alternative hieroglyphic writing:

i nw


Dependent pronouns inflect for gender and number. The "neuter" third person form is used for inanimate objects. See individual pages for variant writings.

Singular Plural
1st person jnk jnn
2nd masculine ntk ntṯn / nttn
2nd feminine ntṯ / ntt
3rd masculine ntf ntsn
3rd feminine nts


Allen, Middle Egyptian