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:

彼女を呼び止めた。

Kanojo wo yobitometa

I called her back.

I stopped her.

• 彼女 - she
• を - object particle
• 呼び止めた - called out and stopped

すんなりと彼女に告白できた。

Sun'nari to kanojo ni kokuhaku dekita

I managed to confess my feelings to her easily.

I managed to confess to her softly.

• すんなりと - adverb that indicates that something was done smoothly, without difficulties.
• 彼女に - particle that indicates that the action was directed towards "her", in this case, the girlfriend.
• 告白 - noun that means "confession", in this case, the confession of love.
• できた - verb that indicates that the action was completed, in this case, the confession was made.

てっきり彼女は来ると思っていた。

Tekkiri kanojo wa kuru to omotte ita

I thought she would surely come.

She thought it would.

• てっきり - adverb indicating a strong conviction or expectation
• 彼女 - noun meaning "girlfriend" or "her"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 来る - verb meaning "to come" or "to arrive"
• と - particle indicating a direct or indirect quotation
• 思っていた - compound verb meaning "to think" or "to believe"

彼女は私にお金を呉れると言った。

Kanojo wa watashi ni okane wo kureru to itta

She said she would give me money.

She told me that she would earn money.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• に (ni) - target particle
• お金 (okane) - money
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 呉れる (kureru) - give (humble form)
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 言った (itta) - he said

彼女の派手な服装が目立つ。

Kanojo no hadena fukusō ga medatsu

Her flashy clothes stand out.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 派手 (hade) - extravagant, flashy
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 服装 (fukusou) - clothing, attire
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 目立つ (medatsu) - highlight, draw attention

彼女の顔付きはとても怒っていた。

Kanojo no kaozuki wa totemo okotte ita

Her look was very angry.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 顔付き (kao tsuki) - means "facial expression" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 怒っていた (okotte ita) - verb meaning "to be angry" in the past continuous

彼女は私のアイデアを拒絶しました。

Kanojo wa watashi no aidea o kyozetsu shimashita

She rejected my idea.

She refused my idea.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my/my
• アイデア (aidea) - idea
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 拒絶 (kyozetsu) - Rejected
• しました (shimashita) - Polite past tense of the verb "to do."

彼女は私を勉強に促した。

Kanojo wa watashi o benkyou ni unagashita

She encouraged me to study.

She asked me to study.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• を - direct object particle
• 勉強 - study
• に - target particle
• 促した - encouraged, stimulated

彼女は傍らにいる。

Kanojo wa sobara ni iru

She is beside me.

She is by your side.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 傍ら - Next to
• に - Location particle
• いる - be present

彼女は窓から抜けることができた。

Kanojo wa mado kara nukeru koto ga dekita

She managed to escape through the window.

She was able to climb out of the window.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 窓 - window
• から - of
• 抜ける - escape
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• できた - was able to