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:

彼は威張っている。

Kare wa ibaru te iru

Ele está se exibindo.

He is worthy.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 威張っている - verbo japonês que significa "estar se exibindo" ou "estar se gabando"

彼は困難を遣り通すことができた。

Kare wa konnan o yaritōsu koto ga dekita

He managed to overcome the difficulties.

He was able to pass on difficulties.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 困難 - Japanese noun meaning "difficulty"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 遣り通す - Japanese verb meaning "to overcome" or "to pass through"
• こと - Japanese noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• できた - Japanese verb meaning "to be able to" or "to achieve"

彼は災難から免れた。

Kare wa sainan kara manereta

He escaped disaster.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 災難 - Japanese noun meaning "disaster" or "calamity"
• から - Japanese particle that indicates "from" or "out of"
• 免れた - Japanese verb that means "escape" or "avoid"

彼は池に飛び込んだ。

Kare wa ike ni tobikonda

He jumped into the pond.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 池 - Japanese noun meaning "lake"
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• 飛び込んだ - Japanese verb meaning "jumped"

彼は失格者だ。

Kare wa shikkakusha da

He is disqualified.

He is disqualified.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 失格者 - Japanese noun that means "disqualified" or "unfit"
• だ - auxiliary Japanese verb that indicates that the sentence is in the present and affirmative - "is"

彼はボールを飛ばす。

Kare wa booru wo tobasu

He throws the ball.

He flies the ball.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that "he" is the topic of the sentence
• ボール - Japanese word that means "bola" -> "ball"
• を - object particle that indicates that "ball" is the direct object of the action
• 飛ばす - Japanese verb meaning "throw" or "toss"

彼はボールを蹴った。

Kare wa booru wo keru ta

He kicked the ball.

• 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".
• ボール - Japanese word that means "bola" -> "ball"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "ball"
• 蹴った - Japanese verb meaning "kicked" (past tense of the verb "to kick")

彼は鈍感だ。

Kare wa donkan da

He is insensitive.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese grammatical particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 鈍感 - Japanese adjective meaning "insensitive", "dull"
• だ - Japanese linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

彼は本当に奴だ。

Kare wa hontō ni yatsu da

He really is a guy.

• 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".
• 本当に - Japanese adverb that means "really" or "truly"
• 奴 - Japanese noun that can be used pejoratively to refer to a person, in this case "he"
• だ - Japanese verb that indicates the affirmative present form, in this case "is"

彼は何も言わなかった。

Kare wa nanimo iwanakatta

He did not say anything.

• 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".
• 何も - Japanese adverb that means "nothing" or "none"
• 言わなかった - Japanese verb meaning "did not say" or "did not speak", conjugated in the negative past
• . - full stop, indicating the end of the sentence