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." 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 between 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

Related words

彼此

arekore

One thing or another; this and that; this or that

彼の

ano

that over there

彼方

achira

1. there; there; that one

彼処

asoko

1. (UK) There; there; that place; 2. (x) (Col) genitals.

彼等

karera

they

彼女

kanojyo

she; girlfriend; darling

彼方此方

achirakochira

here and there

奴

yako

servant; partner

向こう

mukou

in addition; there; opposite direction; the other part

他

hoka

other

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.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (彼) kare

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (彼) kare:

Example Sentences - (彼) kare

See below some example sentences:

彼は約束を破った。

Kare wa yakusoku wo yabutta

He broke the promise.

He broke his promise.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise"
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "promise".
破った - The Japanese verb in the past that means "broke" or "violated" is "壊れた" (kowareta).

彼は私に新しい技を仕付けた。

Kare wa watashi ni atarashii waza o shitsuketa

He taught me a new technique.

He had a new technique for me.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
私に - Japanese pronoun that means "for me"
新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
技 - Japanese noun that means "technique" or "skill"
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "technique".
仕付けた - Japanese verb that means "taught" or "trained"

彼は自分の能力を強めるために毎日練習している。

Kare wa jibun no nouryoku o tsuyomeru tame ni mainichi renshuu shite iru

He practices every day to strengthen his skills.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
自分 - Japanese pronoun meaning "oneself"
の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "your"
能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "skill"
強める - Japanese verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to increase"
ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "with the aim of"
毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
練習 - Japanese noun meaning "training" or "practice"
している - continuous form of the Japanese verb "する", which means "to do"

彼は国を治める能力がある。

Kare wa kuni o osameru nouryoku ga aru

He has the ability to rule a country.

He has the ability to rule the country.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
国 - Japanese noun that means "country"
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
治める - Japanese verb that means "to govern."
能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
. - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

彼はチームを率いる。

Kare wa chiimu o hikiiru

He leads the team.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
チーム - Japanese word that means "time" or "team"
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
率いる - Japanese verb that means "to lead" or "to command"

彼は敵を討つために戦いに出た。

Kare wa teki o utsu tame ni tatakai ni deta

He went out to fight to defeat the enemy.

He went to fight to defeat the enemy.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
敵 - Japanese noun that means "enemy"
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
討つ - Japanese verb meaning "defeat"
ために - Japanese expression that means "for"
戦い - Japanese noun meaning "battle"
に - Japanese particle that indicates the place where the action takes place
出た - Japanese verb meaning "to leave"

彼は崖から転落した。

Kare wa gake kara tenraku shita

He fell from a cliff.

He fell from the cliff.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
崖 - Japanese noun meaning "cliff"
から - Japanese particle that indicates origin or starting point.
転落 - Japanese noun that means "fall."
した - Japanese verb in the past that means "fell"

彼は熱心に彼の理論を説いた。

Kare wa nesshin ni kare no riron o tokuita

He passionately explained his theory.

He eagerly preached his theory.

彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
熱心に - Japanese adverb meaning "with enthusiasm"
彼の - Japanese possessive pronoun meaning "your"
理論を - Japanese noun that means "theory" and the particle "wo" indicates the direct object of the sentence
説いた - Japanese verb meaning "explain" in the past tense