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:

彼女は辛い病気に堪えている。

Kanojo wa tsurai byouki ni koraete iru

She is supporting a painful disease.

She has a painful disease.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 辛い (tsurai) - Painful, difficult
• 病気 (byouki) - disease
• に (ni) - particle indicating target or destination
• 堪えている (koraeteiru) - enduring, enduring

彼女は私を睨んだ。

Kanojo wa watashi o niranda

She looked at me angrily.

She looked at me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 睨んだ (niranda) - stared, faced

彼女はだらしない服装をしている。

Kanojo wa darashinai fukusō o shite iru

She is dressed in a sloppy way.

She wears sloppy clothes.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• だらしない (darashinai) - sloppy, messy
• 服装 (fukusou) - clothing, attire
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• している (shiteiru) - is wearing, is dressed

彼女は自分の能力に傲っている。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku ni ogorotte iru

She is proud of her abilities.

She is arrogant in her abilities.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or destination
• 傲っている (hokotteiru) - be proud, arrogant

彼女は近寄ると私に微笑んだ。

Kanojo wa chikayoru to watashi ni hohoenda

She smiled at me as she approached.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 近寄る (chikayoru) - to approach
• と (to) - particle indicating simultaneous action
• 私 (watashi) - I
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 微笑む (hohoemu) - to smile

彼女に近付けるように努力しています。

Kanojo ni chikazukeru you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard to get closer to her.

I'm trying to get closer to her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action
• 近付ける (chikazukeru) - a verb meaning "to approach"
• ように (youni) - an expression meaning "so as"
• 努力しています (doryokushiteimasu) - a verb meaning "I am trying hard"

彼女にプロジェクトを任せました。

Kanojo ni purojekuto o makasemashita

I delegated the project to her.

I left her a project.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action, in this case, "to"
• プロジェクト (purojekuto) - the Japanese word for "project"
• を (wo) - a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "as"
• 任せました (makasemashita) - a polite form of the verb "to trust" in Japanese, meaning "I trusted"

彼女の演技は華々しいです。

Kanojo no engi wa hanabanasai desu

Your performance is brilliant.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
• 演技 (engi) - means "acting" or "interpretation" in Japanese
• は (wa) - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the performance"
• 華々しい (hanabanashii) - adjective meaning "splendid" or "brilliant"
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is formal

彼女の声が聞こえる。

Kanojo no koe ga kikoeru

I can hear her voice.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 声 (koe) - means "voice" in Japanese
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 聞こえる (kikoeru) - A palavra é "audível" em inglês.

彼女はいつも私を労ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi o itawatte kureru

She always takes care of me.

She always works for me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - means "always" in Japanese
• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 労ってくれる (tsutomete kureru) - The verb that means "to take care of" or "to be concerned about" in Japanese is 世話する (せわする, sewa suru).