Translation and Meaning of: 彼女 - kanojyo

The Japanese word 彼女 (かのじょ) is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "she" or "girlfriend," depending on the context, and its use permeates from everyday conversations to cultural productions such as animes and dramas. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as curiosities that help to understand its relevance in the Japanese language.

Understanding 彼女 goes beyond simple translation. Knowing when and how to use it can prevent misunderstandings, especially as it carries important cultural nuances. If you've ever wondered why the Japanese use this word in certain situations or how to memorize it effectively, keep reading to find out!

Meaning and usage of 彼女 (かのじょ)

彼女 is a versatile word that can mean both "she" and "girlfriend". Context is crucial to define which meaning is being used. In sentences like 彼女は学生です (Kanojo wa gakusei desu), the most common translation is "She is a student". On the other hand, in dialogues like 彼女がいますか？ (Kanojo ga imasu ka?), the meaning changes to "Do you have a girlfriend?".

This duality can confuse beginners, but with practice, it becomes easier to distinguish the uses. It is worth noting that when referring to "girlfriend," 彼女 is more informal and everyday, while terms like 恋人 (koibito) may sound more formal or poetic. The frequent use in anime and popular songs also reinforces its presence in the daily lives of Japanese people.

Origin and writing of 彼女

The composition of 彼女 is interesting for those studying kanji. The first character, 彼 (kare), means "he" or "that," while 女 (onna/jo) represents "woman." Together, they form the idea of "that woman," which evolved into the current meanings. This structure is common in Japanese, where combinations of kanji create words with specific nuances.

It is worth noting that 彼女 emerged as a modern adaptation to refer to women in the third person, something that old Japanese did not clearly have. Before the Meiji period, the language did not have a widely established feminine pronoun, and 彼女 was incorporated under Western influence, becoming standard over time.

Tips for memorizing and using 彼女 correctly

An effective way to memorize 彼女 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, imagine a dialogue where someone asks about another person's girlfriend. Phrases like 彼女は優しいです (Kanojo wa yasashii desu – "She/my girlfriend is kind") help to internalize the double meaning in a natural way.

Another tip is to pay attention to the suffixes and particles that accompany the word. When 彼女 (kanojo) is followed by particles like は (wa) or が (ga), it usually indicates "she." In possessive constructions, such as 私の彼女 (watashi no kanojo), the meaning tends to be "my girlfriend." Watching authentic content, such as doramas, also exposes the learner to real uses of the expression.

Curiosities about 彼女 in Japanese culture.

"Kanojo" frequently appears in song lyrics and anime titles, reflecting its importance in the language. Popular songs, such as "Kanojo wa Kureeshon" (彼女はクレーショ), showcase how the word is artistically used. Furthermore, in romantic narratives, it often defines central relationships in the plot.

An important cultural aspect is that in Japan, asking 彼女はいますか？ (Kanojo wa imasu ka?) can be considered intrusive depending on the context. Japanese people tend to avoid very personal questions in casual conversations, so it's good to use this expression with caution, especially with recent acquaintances.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 彼女 (Kanojo) - She, girlfriend
• 女友 (Onna-yuu) - Female friend can refer to a girlfriend depending on the context.
• 恋人 (Koibito) - Lover, boyfriend/girlfriend
• 伴侶 (Hanryo) - Partner, spouse, emphasis on a more formal relationship
• 女性 (Josei) - Woman, more general term
• 女子 (Joshi) - Girl, young woman, can also be used in informal contexts or with children.
• 女子供 (Joshi-kodom) - Girl
• 彼女さん (Kanojo-san) - Respectful way to refer to a girlfriend or partner

彼女

Romaji: kanojyo
Kana: かのじょ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: she; girlfriend; darling

Meaning in English: she;girl friend;sweetheart

Definition: A person who has a close relationship with a woman, or with the woman.

Example Sentences - (彼女) kanojyo

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女の部屋を覗いた。

Watashi wa kanojo no heya o nozokita

I looked into her room.

I looked into her room.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "girlfriend" or "her"
• の - possessive pronoun indicating that "the room" belongs to "her"
• 部屋 - noun that means "room" or "hall"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 覗いた - verb meaning "I looked" or "I spied"

彼女が近付いてきた。

Kanojo ga chikazuite kita

She approached.

She is coming closer.

• 彼女 - means "girlfriend" or "her"
• が - subject particle
• 近付いて - verb "chikazuite," which means "to approach"
• きた - The past form of the verb "kuru," which means "to come," is "kimashita" (きました) in polite form and "kita" (きた) in casual form.

彼女の声が突然跡切れた。

Kanojo no koe ga totsuzen atogireru

Her voice suddenly disappeared.

His voice was suddenly cut off.

• 彼女の - "of the girlfriend"
• 声が - "the voice"
• 突然 - "suddenly"
• 跡切れた - "stopped abruptly"

彼は贈り物で彼女を賄った。

Kare wa okurimono de kanojo o motta

He presented her to impress her.

He controlled her with a gift.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 贈り物 - Present
• で - particle indicating means or tool
• 彼女 - Girlfriend
• を - Direct object particle
• 賄った - Covered the expenses, paid

彼女は動揺していた。

Kanojo wa dōyō shite ita

She was agitated.

She was upset.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 動揺していた (douyoushiteita) - was agitated

彼女は可哀想だ。

Kanojo wa kawaisō da

She is worthy of pity.

She is poor.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 可哀想 (kawaisou) - sad, pitiful
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女は私を悩ます。

Kanojo wa watashi o nayamasu

She bothers me.

She bothered me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 悩ます (nayamasu) - bother, worry

彼女は私に新しいドレスを見せてくれた。

Kanojo wa watashi ni atarashii doresu o miseru te kureta

She showed me a new dress.

She showed me a new dress.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私に (watashi ni) - for me
• 新しい (atarashii) - new
• ドレス (doresu) - dress
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 見せてくれた (misete kureta) - showed me

彼女は靴を擦っていた。

Kanojo wa kutsu o kosutte ita

She was rubbing the shoes.

She was rubbing the shoes.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 靴 (kutsu) - shoes
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 擦っていた (kosutteita) - I was scrubbing.

彼女に愛を与える。

Kanojo ni ai wo ataeru

Give her love.

Give her love.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend" or "her"
• に (ni) - a particle indicating the recipient of the action, in this case "to"
• 愛 (ai) - means "love"
• を (wo) - a particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case "giving love"
• 与える (ataeru) - means "to give"