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

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

yako

servant; partner

向こう

mukou

in addition; there; opposite direction; the other part

hoka

other

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:

彼女の健康状態は衰える一方だ。

Kanojo no kenkō jōtai wa otoroeru ippō da

Your health condition is worsening.

Your health is about to decline.

  • 彼女の - "her" - "from her/hers"
  • 健康状態は - "kenkou joutai wa" - health condition is "health condition is"
  • 衰える - "oshieru" - to teach declining
  • 一方だ - "ippou da" - Only in Japanese more and more
彼女の料理の手際は素晴らしいです。

Kanojo no ryōri no tegiwa wa subarashīdesu

Your culinary skills are wonderful.

Her cuisine is wonderful.

  • 彼女 - her in Japanese
  • の - Particle that indicates possession
  • 料理 - "culinária" in Japanese
  • の - Particle that indicates possession
  • 手際 - "skill" or "dexterity" in Japanese
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 素晴らしい - "wonderful" or "excellent" in Japanese
  • です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating a polite statement
彼女の日本語能力は高い程度だ。

Kanojo no nihongo nouryoku wa takai teido da

Your proficiency in the Japanese language is at a high level.

Your Japanese skill is high.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - She
  • の (no) - Possessive particle
  • 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
  • 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 高い (takai) - High
  • 程度 (teido) - Grade, level
  • だ (da) - Informal form of the verb ser
彼女の気質はとても優れている。

Kanojo no kishitsu wa totemo sugurete iru

Your temperament is excellent.

Your temperament is very good.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • の (no) - Possessive particle
  • 気質 (kishitsu) - temperament, personality
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • とても (totemo) - very
  • 優れている (sugureteiru) - to be excellent, to be superior
彼女は夢を追う。

Kanojo wa yume o ou

She chases her dreams.

She follows her dream.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - She
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 夢 (yume) - Dream
  • を (wo) - Direct object particle
  • 追う (ou) - to chase
彼女は失恋してから萎びてしまった。

Kanojo wa shitsuren shite kara shibirete shimatta

She wilted after experiencing a heartbreak.

She withered after her heart wasbroken.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 失恋して (shitsuren shite) - to have a broken heart
  • から (kara) - since
  • 萎びてしまった (shibite shimatta) - murchou / became depressed
彼女は彼を放った。

Kanojo wa kare o hanatta

She left him.

She freed him.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 彼 (kare) - he
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 放った (hanatta) - abandoned, let go
彼女は彼を甘やかすのが好きです。

Kanojo wa kare o amayakasu no ga suki desu

She likes to pamper him.

She likes to spoil you.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 彼 (kare) - he
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 甘やかす (amayakasu) - to ruin, to spoil
  • のが (noga) - particle that indicates nominal subordinate
  • 好き (suki) - like
  • です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
彼女は物好きな人です。

Kanojo wa monozuki na hito desu

She is a curious person.

She is a favorite person.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - She
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 物好き (monozuki) - Interested in strange things, curious
  • な (na) - adjective particle
  • 人 (hito) - Person
  • です (desu) - Verb to be in the polite form
彼女は真実を明かした。

Kanojo wa shinjitsu o akashita

She revealed the truth.

She revealed the truth.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 真実 (shinjitsu) - truth
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 明かした (akashita) - revealed
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Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

こう

kou

in this way

彼等

karera

they

我々

wareware

we

kimi

you (masc. Term for feminine)

kun

Mr. (junior); master; boy

he