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
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.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
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 kare ni uttaeru tsumori da
She intends to sue him.
She intends to attract him.
- 彼女 - "kanojo" means "she" in Japanese.
- は - "wa" is a topic particle in Japanese.
- 彼に - "kare ni" means "for him" in Japanese.
- 訴える - "uttaeru" means "to complain" or "to sue" in Japanese.
- つもり - "tsumori" means "intention" in Japanese.
- だ - "da" is a copulative particle in Japanese.
Kanojo no utagoe ni wa kanshin suru
I am impressed with her singing voice.
I'm impressed with her singing voice.
- 彼女 - she
- の - of
- 歌声 - Singing voice
- に - in
- は - (topic particle)
- 感心 - admiration, praise
- する - make
Kanojo wo ubau koto wa yurusarenai
It is not allowed to take it.
- 彼女 - "namorada" in Japanese
- を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
- 奪う - "roubar" in Japanese
- こと - Abstract noun in Japanese
- は - Japanese topic particle
- 許されない - "não é permitido" in Japanese
Kanojo no egao ga kaketeteiru
Her smile is missing.
- 彼女 - She
- の - Possessive particle
- 笑顔 - smile
- が - Subject particle
- 欠けている - It's missing
Kanojo no kotoba ni wa itsumo shitagokoro ga aru
Your words always have a heart.
- 彼女 - she
- の - of
- 言葉 - words
- には - have
- いつも - always
- 下心 - ulterior motives
- が - there are
- ある - Gifts
Kanojo wa itsumo toraburu ni karamatte iru
She is always in trouble.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- いつも - always
- トラブル - problem, difficulty
- に - target particle
- 絡まっている - to be involved, to be tangled
Kanojo no udezuki wa subarashii desu
Your skill is wonderful.
- 彼女 - she
- の - Possessive particle
- 腕前 - skill, dexterity
- は - Topic particle
- 素晴らしい - wonderful, splendid
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kanojo wa piano wo jouzu ni hiku
She plays the piano very well.
She plays the piano well.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- ピアノ - piano
- を - direct object particle
- 上手に - skillfully
- 弾く - play (an instrument)
Kanojo wa itsumo kaiwa ni tsukkomi o ireru
She always makes a critical remark during the conversation.
She always rushes into the conversation.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- いつも - always
- 会話 - conversation
- に - target particle
- 突っ込み - intervention, comment
- を - direct object particle
- 入れる - put, add
Kanojo wa sugureru nouryoku wo motteimasu
She has excellent skills.
She has excellent ability.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 優れる - be excellent
- 能力 - Skill, capacity
- を - direct object particle
- 持っています - Land, possess
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
