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:

彼女を引き止めるのは難しいです。

Kanojo wo hikitomeru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to stop her from leaving.

It's hard to stop her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend"
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き止める (hikitomeru) - verb meaning "to stop, prevent, withhold"
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 難しい (muzukashii) - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です (desu) - copulative verb that indicates "to be" or "to be"

彼はいつも暴れる。

Kare wa itsumo abareru

He always behaves badly.

He always plays.

• 彼 (kare) - he
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - always
• 暴れる (abareru) - If comportar bad, act violently.

彼はとても器用だ。

Kare wa totemo kiyou da

He is very skilled.

He is very skillful.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very
• 器用 (kiyou) - Skilled, dexterous
• だ (da) - Verb "to be" in the present

彼は泥棒を捕まえた。

Kare wa dorobō o tsukamaeta

He captured the thief.

He caught a thief.

• 彼 (kare) - he
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 泥棒 (dorobou) - Ladrão
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 捕まえた (tsukamaeta) - captured

彼は相手を突いた。

Kare wa aite wo tsuita

He pushed the opponent.

He pierced the opponent.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 相手 (aite) - Opponent, adversary, enemy
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 突いた (tsuita) - Pierced, stabbed, struck

彼は罪を犯した。

Kare wa tsumi o okashita

He committed a crime.

He has sinned.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 罪 (tsumi) - Sin, crime
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 犯した (okashita) - Committed

彼は銃を撃った。

Kare wa juu wo utsutta

He shot a gun.

He threw a gun.

• 彼 (kare) - personal pronoun meaning "he"
• は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 銃 (juu) - noun that means "firearm"
• を (wo) - object particle that indicates that "firearm" is the direct object of the action
• 撃った (utta) - verb in the past that means "shot"

彼は女性を拐うつもりだった。

Kare wa josei o sarau tsumori datta

He intended to kidnap a woman.

He intended to kidnap the woman.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Woman
• を - Direct object particle
• 拐う - Kidnap
• つもり - Intention
• だった - Past tense of the verb "to be"

彼は強引に彼女を部屋に押し込んだ。

Kare wa gouin ni kanojo o heya ni oshikomunda

He pushed her hard into the room.

He pushed her into the room.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 強引に - Forcibly, violently
• 彼女を - She (direct object)
• 部屋に - In the living room
• 押し込んだ - He pushed in

彼は消極的な態度をとっている。

Kare wa shōkyokuteki na taido o totte iru

He is adopting a passive attitude.

He has a reluctant attitude.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 消極的な - Passive, negative
• 態度 - Attitude
• を - Direct object particle
• とっている - It's having