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:

彼女は動揺していた。

Kanojo wa dōyō shite ita

She was agitated.

She was upset.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 動揺していた (douyoushiteita) - was agitated

彼女は可哀想だ。

Kanojo wa kawaisō da

She is worthy of pity.

She is poor.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 可哀想 (kawaisou) - sad, pitiful
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女は私を悩ます。

Kanojo wa watashi o nayamasu

She bothers me.

She bothered me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 悩ます (nayamasu) - bother, worry

彼女は私に新しいドレスを見せてくれた。

Kanojo wa watashi ni atarashii doresu o miseru te kureta

She showed me a new dress.

She showed me a new dress.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私に (watashi ni) - for me
• 新しい (atarashii) - new
• ドレス (doresu) - dress
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 見せてくれた (misete kureta) - showed me

彼女は靴を擦っていた。

Kanojo wa kutsu o kosutte ita

She was rubbing the shoes.

She was rubbing the shoes.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 靴 (kutsu) - shoes
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 擦っていた (kosutteita) - I was scrubbing.

彼女に愛を与える。

Kanojo ni ai wo ataeru

Give her love.

Give her love.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend" or "her"
• に (ni) - a particle indicating the recipient of the action, in this case "to"
• 愛 (ai) - means "love"
• を (wo) - a particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case "giving love"
• 与える (ataeru) - means "to give"

彼女を呼び止めた。

Kanojo wo yobitometa

I called her back.

I stopped her.

• 彼女 - she
• を - object particle
• 呼び止めた - called out and stopped

すんなりと彼女に告白できた。

Sun'nari to kanojo ni kokuhaku dekita

I managed to confess my feelings to her easily.

I managed to confess to her softly.

• すんなりと - adverb that indicates that something was done smoothly, without difficulties.
• 彼女に - particle that indicates that the action was directed towards "her", in this case, the girlfriend.
• 告白 - noun that means "confession", in this case, the confession of love.
• できた - verb that indicates that the action was completed, in this case, the confession was made.

てっきり彼女は来ると思っていた。

Tekkiri kanojo wa kuru to omotte ita

I thought she would surely come.

She thought it would.

• てっきり - adverb indicating a strong conviction or expectation
• 彼女 - noun meaning "girlfriend" or "her"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 来る - verb meaning "to come" or "to arrive"
• と - particle indicating a direct or indirect quotation
• 思っていた - compound verb meaning "to think" or "to believe"

彼は強気な態度で話した。

Kare wa tsuyoki na taido de hanashita

He spoke with a strong attitude.

He spoke with an upbeat attitude.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 強気 - Japanese adjective meaning "confident" or "bold"
• な - Japanese particle used to modify an adjective
• 態度 - Japanese noun meaning "attitude"
• で - Japanese particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 話した - Japanese verb meaning "spoke" (past tense)