What Does "-Ish" Mean and How Do You Use It?
There are lots of times when we don't want to say something in a precise or exact way. Instead, we only want to give an idea about something, or say that one thing is similar to something else.
Luckily, there is a very simple tool to help us do this: "-ish"!
-Ish can be used together with many other words to change their meaning and create a feeling that is less specific or less certain. Depending on how it is used, it can have several different effects, so let's take a closer look.
The basics of -ish
Although this article will explain how -ish is added to other words, some words include it naturally. In these cases, it means "having the qualities of."
Words like these are often used when discussing nationalities or specific social groups.
| Swedish | Related to or originating in Sweden | i.e., Swedish people |
| Danish | Related to or originating in Denmark | i.e., the Danish language |
| Turkish | Related to or originating in Turkey | i.e., Turkish architecture |
There are other examples as well.
childish (meaning "similar to a child")
- Stop acting so childish and admit when you're wrong.
selfish (meaning "only concerned with oneself")
- Jack can be really selfish sometimes.
In this usage, -ish changes nouns into adjectives.
Aside from these uses, -ish can also be used in more creative ways. Just remember that all of the uses below are a bit casual, so be careful not to use them in formal situations.
-Ish can mean:
approximately, about ~
When talking about numbers, such as times, amounts and ages, -ish makes the number approximate.
A
When did you arrive?
B
Six-ish.
- The party starts at 8-ish.
- I don't know her age, but I'd guess 25-ish.
When guessing ages, it is also common for people to say "20-something," "mid-20s," etc.
- I don't know her age, I'd guess she's in her mid-20s.
somewhat, almost
-Ish is also used to say that something is similar to or almost something else. The exact meaning depends on the context.
A
Is it spicy?
B
It’s spicy-ish. I can taste the spice, but it isn’t very strong.
A
Was the weather nice?
B
Nice-ish. It was sunny, but a bit too cool to go to the beach.
- She dyed her hair a pink-ish color.
- The injury left a purple-ish bruise on his leg.
In many cases, it includes a negative nuance when the speaker is not excited or impressed by something.
- The movie was OK-ish. I thought I’d like it more than I did.
Sometimes, -ish can even be used alone as a response. This usage is very informal.
A
Are you finished writing your essay?
B
Ish. I only have a few more changes to make.
Here, the person is saying that they are almost finished, or very close to finishing.
Wrap-up
In casual conversations, adding -ish to other words is a fast and convenient way to express similarity and vagueness. Some words sound more natural with it than others do, but as you practice with it, you will begin to understand which words make the best combinations.
Just remember that it is best used in informal conversations. Be sure to give it a try during your next English chat with a friend or tutor.
