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:

彼女の美しさには呆れるばかりだ。

Kanojo no utsukushisa ni wa akireru bakari da

I am impressed by her beauty.

I am impressed by her beauty.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• の - Particle of possession, indicating that "she" is the owner of something.
• 美しさ - "beauty" in Japanese
• には - particle that indicates focus or emphasis
• 呆れる - "to be surprised" or "to be amazed" in Japanese
• ばかり - particle that indicates that something is "only" or "just"
• だ - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present

彼女を苦しめることは許されない。

Kanojo wo kurushimeru koto wa yurusarenai

It is not allowed to cause suffering to it.

It is not allowed to afflict it.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 苦しめる - causar sofrimento
• こと - Abstract noun in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 許されない - "não é permitido" in Japanese

彼女は彼を縛ることができる。

Kanojo wa kare wo shibaru koto ga dekiru

She can tie it.

She can arrest him.

• 彼女 - "kanojo" means "she" in Japanese.
• は - "wa" is a topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 彼 - "kare" means "he" in Japanese.
• を - "wo" is a particle for the object in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence.
• 縛る - "shibaru" means "to tie" in Japanese.
• こと - "koto" is a nominal particle in Japanese, used to turn a verb into a noun.
• が - "ga" is a subject particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• できる - "dekiru" means "to be able to" in Japanese.
• . - The period indicates the end of the sentence.

彼女の態度は冷淡だった。

Kanojo no taido wa reitan datta

Her demeanor was cold and indifferent.

Her attitude was cold.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 態度 - attitude
• は - is
• 冷淡 - cold
• だった - was

彼女の携帯は粉々になった。

Kanojo no keitai wa konagona ni natta

Her cell phone was in pieces.

Her cell phone was broken.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 携帯 - cell
• は - (topic particle)
• 粉々 - in pieces
• に - (destination particle)
• なった - became

彼女の髪は艶やかだ。

Kanojo no kami wa adeyaka da

Her hair is shiny.

Her hair is shiny.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 髪 - hair
• は - (topic particle)
• 艶やか - brilliant, shiny
• だ - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

彼女は優れた才能が備わっている。

Kanojo wa sugureta sainou ga sonawatteiru

She has an exceptional talent.

She has excellent talent.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優れた - Great
• 才能 - talent
• が - subject particle
• 備わっている - be equipped with

彼女は猫を抓るのが得意です。

Kanojo wa neko o toru no ga tokui desu

She is good at catching cats.

She is good at hitting a cat.

• 彼女 - She
• は - Topic particle
• 猫 - cat
• を - Direct object particle
• 抓る - capture
• のが - Nominal particle
• 得意 - ability
• です - polite way of being

彼女は疲れ気味だ。

Kanojo wa tsukaregimi da

She looks tired.

She is tired.

• 彼女 - Japanese pronoun meaning "she"
• は - Japanese particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "she"
• 疲れ - Japanese noun meaning "tiredness"
• 気味 - Japanese suffix indicating a condition or tendency, in this case, "a little"
• だ - Japanese verb meaning "to be" or "to be", in this case in the present tense

彼女を帰す。

Kanojo wo kaesu

I sent her home.

Give it back.

• 彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 帰す - verb that means "send back home" in Japanese.
• .