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 shimau mae ni heya wo katazuketa
She tidied up the room before finishing.
She cleaned the room before the end.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 仕舞う - tidy, store
- 前に - before
- 部屋 - Room, living room
- を - direct object particle
- 片付けた - tidied up, organized
Kanojo wa yūga ni furumau
She behaves elegantly.
She behaves gracefully.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 優雅に - elegantemente
- 振舞う - comportar-se
Kanojo wa yūshūna gakusei desu
She is an excellent student.
She is an excellent student.
- 彼女 - She
- は - Topic particle
- 優秀な - Great
- 学生 - student
- です - Ser/estar (linking verb)
Kanojo wa teki o horobosu tame ni tatakatta
She fought to destroy the enemy.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 敵 - enemy
- を - direct object particle
- 滅ぼす - destroy, annihilate
- ために - in order to
- 戦った - fought (past tense of the verb 戦う - tatakau)
Kanojo wa kare no sokubaku ni kurushinde iru
She is suffering from her restriction.
She is suffering from her restriction.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 彼の - delete
- 束縛 - restriction, imprisonment, limitation
- に - target particle
- 苦しんでいる - is suffering
Kanojo wa watashi no ryōri o homerimashita
She complimented my food.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 私 - I
- の - Possessive particle
- 料理 - cooking, kitchen, dish
- を - direct object particle
- 褒めました - praised
Kanojo wa ryōri ni korotte iru
She's obsessed with cooking.
It is made by cooking.
- 彼女 - She
- は - Topic particle
- 料理 - Cooking
- に - particle indicating the object of the action
- 凝っている - She is obsessed.
Kanojo wa watashi ni nani o tou no ka wakaranai
I don't know what she is asking me.
She doesn't know what she asks.
- 彼女 - She
- は - Topic particle
- 私に - for me
- 何を - what
- 問う - to ask
- のか - Particle that indicates a question
- 分からない - I don't know
Kanojo wa watashi o shikatta
She scolded me.
- 彼女 - She
- は - Topic particle
- 私 - I
- を - Direct object particle
- 叱った - Regañou
Kanojo wa subarashii engi o enjita
She did a wonderful performance.
She performed a wonderful performance.
- 彼女 - she
- は - Topic particle
- 素晴らしい - amazing
- 演技 - performance
- を - direct object particle
- 演じた - interpreted
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
