Translation and Meaning of: あれ - are

If you have ever watched an anime or tried to converse in Japanese, you have probably heard the word あれ (are) being used in various contexts. But what exactly does it mean? And why does it sometimes cause an awkward smile among Japanese people? In this article, we will explore in depth the etymology, everyday use, and even the less obvious meanings of this versatile little word. You will discover how it can indicate something distant, but also serve as a euphemism for private parts or even menstruation. And of course, how to memorize it without confusion.

In addition to its basic meaning, let's dive into the writing in hiragana and the cultural context that makes あれ so peculiar. If you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, we've prepared practical examples to boost your studies. And if you've ever wondered why Japanese people change their tone of voice when saying あれ, the answer is just below.

Etymology and Origin of あれ

The word あれ has ancient roots in archaic Japanese, where it was used as a demonstrative pronoun for objects distant from both the speaker and the listener. Unlike これ (kore - "this") or それ (sore - "that"), it carries a nuance of something even more remote or possibly unknown. Interestingly, there is no specific kanji for it — the use of pure hiragana emphasizes its informality.

Over time, あれ gained figurative meanings. During the Edo period, it was already appearing in texts as slang for genitals, a common phenomenon in many languages (think of the English "thing" used similarly). The meaning of menstruation emerged as a discreet euphemism, akin to our "that time of the month." This semantic flexibility demonstrates how Japanese uses simple words to avoid direct terms in sensitive situations.

Everyday Lies and Traps

In casual conversation, あれ is a wildcard: it can replace a forgotten name ("Where is あれ… that thing?") or something obvious in context ("あれ has already happened"). But be careful: the tone of voice defines everything. Said quickly in a doctor's office, everyone will understand that you are referring to menstruation. However, in an izakaya (Japanese bar), the same word among friends can become a joke about anatomy.

A useful trick is to observe the grammatical companions. When followed by particles such as は or が ("あれは is a bird" - That is a bird), it tends towards the literal meaning. Loose phrases like "あれ…" (with a dramatic pause) often indicate embarrassment. Want to test it? Watch scenes from Japanese romantic comedies — it's a ready-made lesson on the uses (and abuses) of this word.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

To memorize あれ, associate it with real situations. Imagine pointing to a distant Mount Fuji: "あれ is Mount Fuji." Or remember the classic scene where a character loses something important and shouts "あれ？" with a tone of surprise. This interjection alone is worth a chapter in colloquial Japanese.

A little-known fact: in Okinawa, あれ sometimes becomes "ari" in the local dialect. On Japanese social media, it became code to talk about taboo topics — tweets with hashtags like #あれの日 (that day) discuss menstruation without blocking algorithms. Want to master it for good? Write down the phrase "あれ、言っちゃダメ" (Oops, you can't say that) — a perfect alert for when the context requires delicacy.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• それ (sore) - That / This (something close to the person you are speaking to)
• これ (kore) - This (something close to the speaker)
• あのもの (ano mono) - That thing (something distant from both people)
• あの人 (ano hito) - That person (distant from both people)

あれ

Romaji: are
Kana: あれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: 1. That; that one; 2. (x) (Col) genitals; 3. Menstruation.

Meaning in English: 1. that;that thing; 2. (X) (col) genitals; 3. menses

Definition: Definition of "aquilo": Word that indicates an object to be referred to between the speaker and the listener.

Example Sentences - (あれ) are

See below some example sentences:

根気があれば何でもできる。

Konki ga areba nandemo dekiru

with perseverance

You can do anything if you're patient.

• 根気 (konki) - perseverance, patience
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あれば (areba) - if any
• 何でも (nan demo) - anything, everything
• できる (dekiru) - be able to do, achieve

備えあれば憂いなし

sonae areba urei nashi

If you are prepared

Don't worry if you are prepared

• 備えあれば - "If you are ready"
• 憂いなし - "There is no worry"

予備があれば安心だね。

Yobi ga areba anshin da ne

If we have a backup

It's safe if you have a spare.

• 予備 - It means "reserve" or "backup".
• が - It is a particle that indicates a subordinate clause or marks the subject of a sentence.
• あれば - It is a conjugation of the verb "aru" which means "to exist". In this case, it is in the conditional "if it exists".
• 安心 - means "tranquility" or "security".
• だ - It is an auxiliary verb that indicates the simple present.
• ね - it is a particle that indicates a rhetorical question or asks for the opinion of the interlocutor.

土台は建物の基礎です。

Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu

The base is the basics of the building.

• 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay