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:

彼を追い出す必要がある。

Kare wo oidasu hitsuyou ga aru

We need to expel it.

You need to expel it.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 追い出す - Japanese verb meaning "to expel"
• 必要 - Japanese noun meaning "need"
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist"

彼は次ぐ者がいない。

Kare wa tsugu mono ga inai

He has no one to succeed him.

He doesn't have the next one.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "he"
• 次ぐ - Japanese verb that means "to follow", "to come after" or "to surpass"
• 者 - Japanese noun meaning "person"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "person"
• いない - Japanese verb in negative form that means "does not exist" or "there is not"

彼を説得するのは難しいです。

Kare wo settoku suru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to convince him.

It is hard to convince him.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 説得する - Japanese verb that means "to convince".
• のは - subjectivity particle in Japanese
• 難しい - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in Japanese

彼は追放された。

Kare wa tsuihō sareta

He was expelled.

He was expelled.

• 彼 - personal pronoun meaning "he"
• は - topic particle, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 追放 - noun that means "expulsion"
• された - passive form of the verb "suru," which means "to be done" or "to be accomplished." In this case, it indicates that "he" was expelled.

彼はいつも私を冷やかす。

Kare wa itsumo watashi o hiyakasu

He always makes fun of me.

He always creeps me out.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - topic particle, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• いつも - adverb meaning "always"
• 私を - pronoun meaning "me", followed by the object particle "を", indicating that "me" is the object of the action
• 冷やかす - verb meaning "to mock" or "to ridicule"

彼は才能を発揮した。

Kare wa sainou o hakki shita

He showed his talent.

He was talented.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 才能 - noun meaning "talent"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 発揮 - "Verb" means "exhibit" or "demonstrate"
• した - The past form of the verb "する" (to do) is "did."

彼の好きな食べ物は何ですか？

Kare no suki na tabemono wa nan desu ka?

What is his favorite food?

What's your favourite food?

• 彼の - his
• 好きな - adjective "favorite"
• 食べ物 - Noun "food"
• は - Topic particle
• 何 - interrogative pronoun "what"
• ですか - interrogative particle

彼らの意見は似通っている。

Karera no iken wa nitōtte iru

Their opinions are similar.

Their opinions are similar.

• 彼らの - possessive pronoun that means "theirs"
• 意見 - noun that means "opinion"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 似通っている - verb that means "to be similar" conjugated in the affirmative present

人形を集めるのが彼女の趣味です。

Ningyou wo atsumeru no ga kanojo no shumi desu

Collecting dolls is her hobby.

Collecting dolls is her hobby.

• 人形 - Means "doll" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 集める - verb meaning "to collect" in Japanese.
• のが - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese.
• 彼女 - means "she" in Japanese.
• の - possession particle in Japanese.
• 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese.

一目で彼女に惚れた。

Hitome de kanojo ni horeta

I fell in love with her at first glance.

I fell in love with her quickly.

• 一目 - - "first sight"
• で - - particle that indicates the means or method used
• 彼女 - - "girlfriend"
• に - - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 惚れた - - "passionate"