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

Related words

彼此

arekore

One thing or another; this and that; this or that

彼の

ano

that over there

彼方

achira

1. there; there; that one

彼処

asoko

1. (UK) There; there; that place; 2. (x) (Col) genitals.

彼等

karera

they

彼女

kanojyo

she; girlfriend; darling

彼方此方

achirakochira

here and there

奴

yako

servant; partner

向こう

mukou

in addition; there; opposite direction; the other part

他

hoka

other

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.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (彼) kare

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (彼) kare:

Example Sentences - (彼) kare

See below some example sentences:

彼はナイフで私を刺した。

Kare wa naifu de watashi o sashita

He stabbed me with a knife.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
ナイフ (naifu) - Knife
で (de) - Instrument particle
私 (watashi) - I
を (wo) - Direct object particle
刺した (sashita) - Pierced, stabbed (past tense of the verb 刺す - sasu)

彼はとても優しい人です。

Kare wa totemo yasashii hito desu

He is a very kind person.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
とても (totemo) - Very
優しい (yasashii) - kind
人 (hito) - Person
です (desu) - Verb to be in the polite form

彼は使命を遣るために出発した。

Kare wa shimei o yaru tame ni shuppatsu shita

He left to fulfill his mission.

He went out to take on a mission.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
使命 (shimei) - mission
を (wo) - Direct object particle
遣る (yaru) - accomplish
ために (tameni) - For
出発 (shuppatsu) - Match
した (shita) - past tense of the verb "to do"

彼はバンドから脱退した。

Kare wa bando kara dattai shita

He left the band.

彼 (kare) - he
は (wa) - Topic particle
バンド (bando) - band
から (kara) - from, starting at
脱退した (dattai shita) - left, it has gone out

彼は刀で敵を斬った。

Kare wa katana de teki o kiratta

He cut the enemy with a sword.

彼 (kare) - he
は (wa) - Topic particle
刀 (katana) - Japanese sword
で (de) - particle indicating means or tool
敵 (teki) - enemy
を (wo) - direct object particle
斬った (kitta) - cut, disappointed

「彼は偉大な指導者として仰っしゃる。」

Kare wa idai na shidōsha to shite ossharu

He is revered as a great leader.

He is a great leader.

彼 (kare) - he
は (wa) - Topic particle
偉大な (idai na) - Great, magnificent
指導者 (shidousha) - leader, guide
として (toshite) - as, in the capacity of
仰っしゃる (ossharu) - expression of respect when speaking of someone, in this case, "is considered"