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

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
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- 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:

彼は的確な答えを出した。

Kare wa tekikaku na kotae o dashita

He gave an accurate answer.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
的確な (tekikakuna) - I need, exact
答え (kotae) - Reply
を (wo) - Direct object particle
出した (dashita) - Gave, presented

彼は病気を治すことができた。

Kare wa byouki wo naosu koto ga dekita

He managed to cure the disease.

He was able to cure the disease.

彼 (kare) - he
は (wa) - Topic particle
病気 (byouki) - disease
を (wo) - direct object particle
治す (naosu) - Heal
こと (koto) - verb noun
が (ga) - subject particle
できた (dekita) - Be able to

彼は道を引き返した。

Kare wa michi o hikikaeshita

He turned back.

He's back.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
道 (michi) - Path
を (wo) - Direct object particle
引き返した (hikikaeshita) - He went back.

彼は私を騙した。

Kare wa watashi o damashita

He tricked me.

彼 (kare) - He
は (wa) - Topic particle
私 (watashi) - I
を (wo) - Direct object particle
騙した (damashita) - Deceived

彼は机を壊す。

Kare wa tsukue o kowasu

He breaks the table.

彼 (kare) - personal pronoun meaning "he"
は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
机 (tsukue) - noun that means "table"
を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
壊す (kowasu) - verb that means "to break" or "to destroy"

彼はいつも私を揶揄う。

Kare wa itsumo watashi o yayau

He always teases me.

He always ridiculed me.

彼 (kare) - personal pronoun meaning "he"
は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
いつも (itsumo) - adverb meaning "always"
私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates that "I" is the object of the action
揶揄う (yayau) - verb meaning "to mock" or "to ridicule"