Translation and Meaning of: 彼 - kare

The Japanese word 彼[かれ] is an essential term for anyone learning the language, especially for those who wish to communicate naturally in everyday life. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in different contexts. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing this word and some curiosities that may help in learning. If you are looking to understand more about Japanese, Suki Nihongo is the best dictionary to deepen your knowledge.

Meaning and use of 彼[かれ]

彼[かれ] is a personal pronoun that means "he." It is used to refer to a specific man, usually in informal or everyday situations. Unlike other more formal terms, 彼 carries a more direct and casual tone, being common in conversations between friends or family.

It is worth noting that, in some contexts, 彼 can also be used to refer to a boyfriend, especially when the relationship is already established. For example, if someone says "彼と映画を見に行った" (I went to the movies with him), they may be referring to their boyfriend, depending on the context of the conversation.

Origin and writing of the kanji 彼

The kanji 彼 is composed of the radical 彳 (which indicates movement or path) and 皮 (which means "skin" or "surface"). This combination suggests the idea of "something or someone that is beyond," which makes sense since the term refers to a third person distant from the speaker. This origin helps to understand why 彼 is used to indicate "he" in Japanese.

It is interesting to note that, although the kanji has this composition, its current use is not directly linked to the literal meaning of the radicals. Over time, the word has established itself as a personal pronoun, losing some of its connection to its original etymology.

Tips for memorizing and using 彼 correctly

An effective way to memorize 彼 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when watching a Japanese drama, pay attention when characters use this word to refer to a man. Repeating phrases like "彼は先生です" (He is a teacher) also helps to cement the term in memory.

Another tip is to avoid confusing 彼 with other pronouns, such as あの人 (that person) or 彼女 (she/girlfriend). While 彼 is more direct and informal, あの人 has a more neutral tone and can be used for both genders. Understanding these differences is essential for speaking Japanese naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 彼氏 (Kareshi) - Boyfriend
• 彼女 (Kareshi) - Girlfriend
• 彼方 (Kanata) - Far, beyond
• 彼方此方 (Kanata ko kata) - From one side to the other, everywhere
• 彼方此世 (Kanata konose) - This world and the beyond
• 彼方彼岸 (Kanata higashi) - The other side, beyond the horizon
• 彼方彼界 (Kanata hikai) - Another world, different from ours
• 彼方向こう (Kanata kohou) - That side
• 彼方向こう側 (Kanata kohou-gawa) - The opposite side

彼

Romaji: kare
Kana: かれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: he; boyfriend

Meaning in English: he;boyfriend

Definition: Pronouns used for men and men in general.

Example Sentences - (彼) kare

See below some example sentences:

彼は手を振った。

Kare wa te o futta

He waved his hand.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 手 - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "hand."
• 振った - Japanese verb in the past that means "to shake" or "to sway."

彼は新しいアイデアを齎らした。

Kare wa atarashii aidea o hakarashta

He brought a new idea.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新しい (atarashii) - new (adjective)
• アイデア (aidea) - idea (noun)
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 齎らした (motaras(hi)ta) - brought, presented, proposed (past verb)

彼に大切な言葉を言付けた。

Kare ni taisetsu na kotoba o itetsuketa

I gave him important words to remember.

I told him an important word.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the recipient of the action
• 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
• 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, language
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 言付けた (kotozuketa) - Transmitted, left a message

彼は窓に手を差し伸べた。

Kare wa mado ni te o sashino beta

He reached out to the window.

He reached out to the window.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 窓 (mado) - window
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 手 (te) - HAND
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 差し伸べた (sashino beta) - Extended (verb)

彼は計画を崩すことができなかった。

Kare wa keikaku o kuzusu koto ga dekinakatta

He couldn't undo the plan.

He couldn't break the plan.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 計画 (keikaku) - Plan, project
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 崩す (kuzusu) - Knock down, dismantle, undo
• こと (koto) - Abstract noun, in this case, "action"
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• できなかった (dekinakatta) - Could not do it, was not able to.

彼は自分の部屋にランプを吊るした。

Kare wa jibun no heya ni ranpu o tsuru shita

He hung a lamp in his room.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 部屋 (heya) - Room, living room
• に (ni) - Location particle
• ランプ (ranpu) - lamp
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 吊るす (tsurusu) - to hang
• た (ta) - past form of the verb

彼は高いビルから街を見下ろしていた。

Kare wa takai biru kara machi o mioroshite ita

He was looking at the city on top of a high building.

He looked at the city of a high building.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 高い (takai) - tall (adjective)
• ビル (biru) - building (noun)
• から (kara) - of, from (particle)
• 街 (machi) - city ​​(noun)
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 見下ろしていた (mioroshiteita) - was looking down (verb in past progressive tense)

彼は重い荷物を担ぐことができる。

Kare wa omoi nimotsu wo katsugu koto ga dekiru

He is able to carry heavy objects.

He can carry heavy luggage.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 重い (omoi) - Heavy (adjective)
• 荷物 (nimotsu) - Luggage, cargo (noun)
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 担ぐ (katsugu) - To carry on one's back, to bear (verb)
• こと (koto) - Thing, fact (noun)
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• できる (dekiru) - Be able to, achieve (verb)

彼はコンピュータを巧みに操る。

Kare wa konpyuuta o takumi ni ayatsuru

He skillfully manipulates the computer.

He skillfully manipulates the computer.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• コンピュータ (konpyuuta) - computer
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 巧みに (takumi ni) - Skillfully, with skill
• 操る (ayatsuru) - Manipulate, control

彼はいつも髪を弄る。

Kare wa itsumo kami o ijiru

He is always touching his hair.

He always plays with his hair.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - Always
• 髪 (kami) - Hair
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 弄る (ijiru) - Play, move