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:

彼女を引き止めるのは難しいです。

Kanojo wo hikitomeru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to stop her from leaving.

It's hard to stop her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend"
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き止める (hikitomeru) - verb meaning "to stop, prevent, withhold"
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 難しい (muzukashii) - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です (desu) - copulative verb that indicates "to be" or "to be"

彼は強引に彼女を部屋に押し込んだ。

Kare wa gouin ni kanojo o heya ni oshikomunda

He pushed her hard into the room.

He pushed her into the room.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 強引に - Forcibly, violently
• 彼女を - She (direct object)
• 部屋に - In the living room
• 押し込んだ - He pushed in

人形を集めるのが彼女の趣味です。

Ningyou wo atsumeru no ga kanojo no shumi desu

Collecting dolls is her hobby.

Collecting dolls is her hobby.

• 人形 - Means "doll" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 集める - verb meaning "to collect" in Japanese.
• のが - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese.
• 彼女 - means "she" in Japanese.
• の - possession particle in Japanese.
• 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese.

一目で彼女に惚れた。

Hitome de kanojo ni horeta

I fell in love with her at first glance.

I fell in love with her quickly.

• 一目 - - "first sight"
• で - - particle that indicates the means or method used
• 彼女 - - "girlfriend"
• に - - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 惚れた - - "passionate"

彼は強引な方法で彼女を説得しようとした。

Kare wa gouin na houhou de kanojo o settoku shiyou to shita

He tried to persuade his girlfriend in a very insistent way.

He tried to convince her with brute force.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 強引 - Forced, coercive
• な - Suffix indicating adjective
• 方法 - Method, way
• で - Particle indicating medium, instrument
• 彼女 - Girlfriend, she
• を - Direct object particle
• 説得 - Convince, persuade
• しよう - Volitional form of the verb suru (to do)
• とした - Tried

彼女がいなくなると寂しくなる。

Kanojo ga inaku naru to sabishiku naru

When my girlfriend disappears

I feel lonely when she is gone.

• 彼女 - "girlfriend"
• が - subject particle
• いなくなる - "disappear, vanish"
• と - condition particle
• 寂しく - "lonely"
• なる - "become"

彼女の人生は愛と幸福に富んでいる。

Kanojo no jinsei wa ai to kōfuku ni michinde iru

Your life is rich in love and happiness.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 人生 - "Life" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 愛 - "愛" em japonês
• と - connection particle in Japanese
• 幸福 - 「幸せ」
• に - Location particle in Japanese
• 富んでいる - "いっぱい" (ippai)

彼女に早く結婚の知らせを知らせたい。

Kanojo ni hayaku kekkon no shirase o shirasetai

I want to inform you of the wedding news as soon as possible.

• 彼女 - "girlfriend"
• に - particle indicating the target of the action, "to"
• 早く - "quickly"
• 結婚 - "marriage"
• の - particle indicating possession, "of"
• 知らせ - "news"
• を - particle indicating the direct object of the action, "to"
• 知らせたい - verb "to notify"

彼女に見舞いを送りました。

Kanojo ni mimai o okurimashita

I sent her a visit.

I sent a visit to her.

• 彼女 - "girlfriend"
• に - particle indicating the target of the action ("for" the girlfriend)
• 見舞い - "visit" or "gift for a visit"
• を - particle indicating the direct object of the action (he sent "the visit" or "the visiting gift" to his girlfriend)
• 送りました - "sent"

彼女の心は真っ二つに割れた。

Kanojo no kokoro wa maffutatsu ni wareta

Her heart broke in two.

• 彼女 - She
• の - 's (possessive particle)
• 心 - heart
• は - Topic particle
• 真っ二つ - divided in two
• に - Location particle
• 割れた - Broken