Translation and Meaning of: 彼 - kare

The Japanese word 彼[かれ] is an essential term for anyone learning the language, especially for those who wish to communicate naturally in everyday life. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in different contexts. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing this word and some curiosities that may help in learning. If you are looking to understand more about Japanese, Suki Nihongo is the best dictionary to deepen your knowledge.

Meaning and use of 彼[かれ]

彼[かれ] is a personal pronoun that means "he" in Portuguese. It is used to refer to a specific man, usually in informal or everyday situations. Unlike other, more formal terms, 彼 carries a more direct and casual tone, being common in conversations among friends or family.

It is worth noting that, in some contexts, 彼 can also be used to refer to a boyfriend, especially when the relationship is already established. For example, if someone says "彼と映画を見に行った" (I went to the movies with him), they may be referring to their boyfriend, depending on the context of the conversation.

Origin and writing of the kanji 彼

The kanji 彼 is composed of the radical 彳 (which indicates movement or path) and 皮 (which means "skin" or "surface"). This combination suggests the idea of "something or someone that is beyond," which makes sense since the term refers to a third person distant from the speaker. This origin helps to understand why 彼 is used to indicate "he" in Japanese.

It is interesting to note that, although the kanji has this composition, its current use is not directly linked to the literal meaning of the radicals. Over time, the word has established itself as a personal pronoun, losing some of its connection to its original etymology.

Tips for memorizing and using 彼 correctly

An effective way to memorize 彼 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when watching a Japanese drama, pay attention when characters use this word to refer to a man. Repeating phrases like "彼は先生です" (He is a teacher) also helps to cement the term in memory.

Another tip is to avoid confusing 彼 with other pronouns, such as あの人 (that person) or 彼女 (she/girlfriend). While 彼 is more direct and informal, あの人 has a more neutral tone and can be used for both genders. Understanding these differences is essential for speaking Japanese naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 彼氏 (Kareshi) - Boyfriend
• 彼女 (Kareshi) - Girlfriend
• 彼方 (Kanata) - Far, beyond
• 彼方此方 (Kanata ko kata) - From one side to the other, everywhere
• 彼方此世 (Kanata konose) - This world and the beyond
• 彼方彼岸 (Kanata higashi) - The other side, beyond the horizon
• 彼方彼界 (Kanata hikai) - Another world, different from ours
• 彼方向こう (Kanata kohou) - That side
• 彼方向こう側 (Kanata kohou-gawa) - The opposite side

彼

Romaji: kare
Kana: かれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: he; boyfriend

Meaning in English: he;boyfriend

Definition: Pronouns used for men and men in general.

Example Sentences - (彼) kare

See below some example sentences:

彼と同居することになった。

Kare to doukyo suru koto ni natta

I ended up living with him.

I decided to live with him.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• と - Japanese particle that indicates a connection between two things or people.
• 同居する - Japanese verb that means "to live together."
• こと - Japanese noun that means "thing".
• に - Japanese particle that indicates a target or destination.
• なった - Japanese verb in the past tense meaning "became."

彼は荒っぽい言葉遣いをする。

Kare wa arappoi kotobazukai o suru

He uses rude language.

He talks hard.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 荒っぽい - Rude, crude
• 言葉遣い - Choice of words, language
• を - Direct object particle
• する - Fazer

彼は約束を果たした。

Kare wa yakusoku o hatashita

He fulfilled his promise.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "he".
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise".
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "promise".
• 果たした - Japanese verb that means "to fulfill".

彼は統率力がある。

Kare wa tousotsuryoku ga aru

He has leadership skills.

He is leading.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle indicating the theme of the sentence.
• 統率力 - Japanese noun that means "leadership skills".
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - The Japanese verb that means "to have".

彼は恥ずかしさから引っ込んでしまった。

Kare wa hazukashisa kara hikkonde shimatta

He retreated out of shame.

He was removed from the embarrassment.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 恥ずかしさ - Japanese noun meaning "shame" or "shyness".
• から - Japanese particle that indicates the cause or reason for something.
• 引っ込んでしまった - Japanese verb meaning "to withdraw" or "to retreat" and the particle しまった indicates that the action has been completed in a negative or unwanted way.

彼はお茶に砂糖を注した。

Kare wa ocha ni satou o sosshita

He put sugar in the tea.

He poured sugar into his tea.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• お茶 - Japanese noun meaning "tea".
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the direction or target of the action.
• 砂糖 - Japanese noun meaning "sugar".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 注した - Japanese verb in the past tense meaning "put" or "added".

彼は私を脅した。

Kare wa watashi wo odokashita

He threatened me.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 私 - Japanese pronoun that means "I".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 脅した - 脅した (oboshita)

彼は慈善活動に多くの時間とお金を施しています。

Kare wa jizen katsudō ni ōku no jikan to okane o hodokoshite imasu

He devotes a lot of time and money to charity.

He spends a lot of time and money in charity activities.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 慈善活動 - Japanese word that means "charitable activities".
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the purpose or target of the action.
• 多く - Japanese adverb that means "very".
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship.
• 時間 - Japanese word that means "time".
• と - Japanese particle that indicates joint or simultaneous action.
• お金 - Japanese word that means "money".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 施しています - Japanese verb that means "to donate" or "to contribute," conjugated in the present continuous.

彼は勝負で相手を押し切った。

Kare wa shoubu de aite wo oshikitta

Ele venceu a partida ao superar seu oponente.

Ele empurrou o oponente no jogo.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 勝負 - substantivo japonês que significa "jogo", "competição"
• で - partícula que indica o meio ou a maneira de fazer algo em japonês
• 相手 - substantivo japonês que significa "oponente", "adversário"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 押し切った - verbo japonês no passado que significa "vencer completamente", "derrotar"

彼をやっ付ける必要がある。

Kare wo yattsukeru hitsuyou ga aru

We need to sort it out.

I need to do it.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• やっ付ける - Japanese verb meaning "to defeat", "to win" or "to eliminate".
• 必要 - Japanese noun meaning "need".
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Japanese verb meaning "to exist" or "to be".