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
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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
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.
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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:
Kare wa do o koeta kōdō o totta
He acted beyond the limits.
He takes action beyond.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 度 (tabi) - Time
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 超えた (koeta) - Surpassed
- 行動 (koudou) - action
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- とった (totta) - took
Kare wa tsuneni keikaku o midasu
He always disrupts the plans.
He always messes up the plan.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 常に (tsuneni) - Always
- 計画 (keikaku) - Plan
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 乱す (midasu) - Disturb, mess up
Kare wa tsuyoi hito desu
He is a strong person.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 強い (tsuyoi) - Strong
- 人 (hito) - Person
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kare wa intai suru koto o kimemashita
He decided to retire.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 引退する (intai suru) - Retirement
- こと (koto) - Abstract noun
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 決めました (kimemashita) - Decided
Kare wa tekubi wo hineru
He twisted his wrist.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 手首 (tekubi) - Pulse
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 捻った (nejitta) - Twisted
Kare wa hazukashikute utsumuite ita
He was embarrassed and looking down.
He was embarrassed and refused.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) - Embarrassed
- くて (kute) - Suffix indicating a condition or state
- 俯いていた (utsumuiteita) - I was looking down
Kare wa teki o shirizokeru tame ni hisshi ni tatakatta
He struggled desperately to fend off the enemy.
He struggled desperately to reject the enemy.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 敵 (teki) - enemy
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 退ける (shirizokeru) - Repel
- ために (tameni) - For
- 必死に (hisshi ni) - Desperately
- 戦った (tatakatta) - Struggled
Kare wa teki o taosu koto ga dekita
He managed to overthrow the enemy.
He was able to defeat the enemy.
- 彼 (kare) - he
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 敵 (teki) - enemy
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 倒す (taosu) - knock down, win
- こと (koto) - abstract noun
- が (ga) - subject particle
- できた (dekita) - be able to, achieve
Kare wa hanzai o nasatta
He committed a crime.
- 彼 (kare) - he
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 犯罪 (hanzai) - crime
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 為さった (nasa-tta) - committed (past tense of the verb 為す, nasu)
Kare wa atarashii yakushoku ni ninmei sareta
He was appointed to a new post.
He was appointed as a new position.
- 彼 (kare) - he
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 新しい (atarashii) - new
- 役職 (yakushoku) - position
- に (ni) - target particle
- 任命された (ninmei sareta) - was appointed
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
