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
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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
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.
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How to Write in Japanese - (彼女) kanojyo
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (彼女) kanojyo:
Example Sentences - (彼女) kanojyo
See below some example sentences:
Kanojo wa seijun na kokoro o motte imasu
She has a pure heart.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 清純な (seijun na) - Pure, innocent
- 心 (kokoro) - Heart, mind
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 持っています (motteimasu) - Have, possess
Kanojo wa shakaiteki na chii o takameru tame ni doryoku shite iru
She is trying hard to increase her social standing.
She is working hard to improve her social status.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 社会的な (shakaitekina) - Social
- 地位 (chii) - Position
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 高める (takameru) - increase
- ために (tameni) - For
- 努力している (doryoku shiteiru) - You are making an effort.
Kanojo wa byouki no yuujin wo mimau tame ni byouin ni ikimashita
She went to the hospital to visit a sick friend.
She went to the hospital to see her sick friend.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 病気 (byouki) - disease
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 友人 (yuujin) - amigo/amiga
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 見舞う (mimau) - visit (someone who is ill)
- ために (tameni) - for
- 病院 (byouin) - hospital
- に (ni) - Location particle
- 行きました (ikimashita) - foi (past tense of ir)
Kanojo wa watashi to tabemono wo wakeru koto wo kyohi shita
She refused to share the food with me.
She refused to separate the food from me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- と (to) - particle indicating company
- 食べ物 (tabemono) - food
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 分ける (wakeru) - Divide
- こと (koto) - noun indicating action or event
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 拒否する (kyohosuru) - Refuse
- た (ta) - Past verbal suffix
Kanojo wa watashi ga kare to hanashite iru no o mite yandete ita
She was jealous of me talking to him.
She was jealous to see me talking to him.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 彼 (kare) - he
- と (to) - accompanying particle
- 話している (hanashiteiru) - speaking
- のを (nowo) - object particle
- 見て (mite) - selling
- 妬んでいた (netandeita) - I was jealous
Kanojo wa watashi o tomodachi ni shōkai shite kuremashita
She introduced me as a friend.
She introduced me to my friend.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 友達 (tomodachi) - amigo/amiga
- に (ni) - target particle
- 紹介してくれました (shoukai shite kuremashita) - introduced me
Kanojo wa watashi no shinpo o habamanda
She prevented me from progressing.
She disturbed my progress.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 進歩 (shinpo) - progress
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 阻んだ (samatanda) - prevented
Kanojo wa watashi o mitsumeru
She stares at me.
She looks at me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 見詰める (mitsumeru) - Stare, gaze
Kanojo wa watashi wo uragitta
She cheated on me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 裏切った (uragitta) - cheated
Kanojo wa watashi no purezento o mite yorokobimashita
She was happy to see my present.
She was pleased to see my gift.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私の (watashi no) - mine
- プレゼント (purezento) - Present
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 見て (mite) - selling
- 喜びました (yorokobimashita) - He was happy
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
