Translation and Meaning of: 他 - hoka

The expression 「他」 (hoka) has deep roots in the Japanese language and plays a significant role in everyday communication. This character is often used with the meaning of "other," "different," or "besides." Its etymology reveals that the kanji 「他」 is composed of two main elements: 「亻」, which is the radical for people or humans, and 「也」, which can indicate an idea of being, existing, or even something additional. Together, they convey the concept of something that is beyond or different from the main subject.

In practice, 「他」 (hoka) is a versatile word, often used to introduce alternatives or add information. When someone says "ほかに何かありますか?" (Hoka ni nanika arimasu ka?), they are asking if there is anything else besides what has already been mentioned. This highlights how the expression is effective in broadening conversations or exploring other topics and options.

In addition to its frequent use as an adverb or conjunction, 「他」 (hoka) is also part of different expressions and combinations. This word is essential for expressing notions of choice, divergence, or addition. When combined with other kanji, it can create compound terms, such as 「他人」 (tanin), which means "another person" or "stranger," demonstrating the flexibility and breadth of this expression in the Japanese language. The richness of its meaning and its applicability in various situations make 「他」 a fundamental element in Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 彼 (kare) - He (used to refer to a man or boyfriend)
• 彼方 (kanata) - Beyond (referring to a distant place)
• あいつ (aitsu) - That guy (informal and can be pejorative)
• あの人 (ano hito) - That person (neutral, more respectful)
• かれ (kare) - He (the most common way to refer to a man)
• かのじょ (kanojo) - She (can also mean girlfriend)
• 彼女 (kanojo) - She (used to refer to a woman or girlfriend)

他

Romaji: hoka
Kana: ほか
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: other

Meaning in English: other

Definition: Others: Other things or people. The object of comparison.

Example Sentences - (他) hoka

See below some example sentences:

私たちは時に他人に頼る必要があります。

Watashitachi wa toki ni tanin ni tayoru hitsuyō ga arimasu

Sometimes

Sometimes we need to trust others.

• 私たちは - We
• 時に - Sometimes
• 他人に - In other people
• 頼る - Trust
• 必要があります - Is required

他人を尊重することが大切です。

Tajin wo sonchou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to respect others.

• 他人 - means "other people"
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 尊重する - means "respect"
• こと - abstract noun that indicates an action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - means "important"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

The culture of the home country is diverse and beautiful.

• 本国 - It means "country of origin" or "home country".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refers to the culture of a people or nation.
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite or formal form.