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

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:

彼は上司に指図された。

Kare wa jōshi ni shizu sareta

He was ordered by his boss.

He was instructed by his boss.

• 彼 - personal pronoun "he"
• は - Topic particle
• 上司 - noun "boss"
• に - target particle
• 指図 - noun "order, instruction"
• された - passive form of the verb "to do, to send"

彼は敵を潰すために全力を尽くした。

Kare wa teki o tsubusu tame ni zenryoku o tsukushita

He gave it all of himself to crush the enemy.

He did his best to crush the enemy.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 敵 - Japanese noun that means "enemy"
• を - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 潰す - Japanese verb that means "to crush" or "to destroy."
• ために - Japanese expression that means "for" or "in order to"
• 全力を尽くした - Japanese expression that means "did your best" or "did everything you could"

彼は犬を吊るした。

Kare wa inu o tsurushta

He hung the dog.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he".
• 犬 - Japanese noun that means "dog"
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicating that the dog is the object of the action
• 吊るした - Japanese verb that means "to hang" or "to suspend," conjugated in the past.

彼は仕事を投げ出した。

Kare wa shigoto o nagedashita

He gave up the job.

He plays his job.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 仕事 - 日本語の名詞で「仕事」という意味です。
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 投げ出した - Japanese verb meaning "to throw away" or "to abandon"

彼はレポートを略した。

Kare wa repōto o ryakushita

He summarized the report.

He shortened the report.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• レポート - 報告 (ほうこく)
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 略した - Japanese verb that means "to abbreviate" or "to omit" in the past

彼は規則に反する行動をした。

Kare wa kisoku ni hansuru koudou o shita

He acted in disagreement with the rules.

He acted against the rules.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 規則 - Japanese noun meaning "rule"
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• 反する - Japanese verb that means "to go against", "violate"
• 行動 - Japanese noun meaning "action"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• した - Japanese past tense verb meaning "did"

彼は競争相手を凌ぐ力を持っている。

Kare wa kyōsō aite o shinogu chikara o motte iru

He has the power to surpass his competitors.

He has the power to surpass competitors.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 競争 - Japanese noun that means "competition"
• 相手 - Japanese noun that means "opponent" or "adversary."
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 凌ぐ - Japanese verb that means "to overcome" or "to surpass."
• 力 - Japanese noun that means "strength" or "power."
• 持っている - a Japanese verb that means "to have" or "to possess"

彼は鋭い洞察力を持っています。

Kare wa surudoi dōsatsuryoku o motte imasu

It has a keen ability to insight.

He has a clear view.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 鋭い - Japanese adjective that means "sharp" or "penetrating"
• 洞察力 - Japanese noun that means "power of discernment" or "ability to deeply understand something"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 持っています - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", conjugated in the polite and polite form

彼は道から逸れてしまった。

Kare wa michi kara soreru shita

He got off track.

He veered off the road.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 道 - Japanese noun meaning "way"
• から - particle indicating origin or starting point in Japanese
• 逸れて - Japanese verb that means "to deviate" or "to distance oneself"
• しまった - past form of the Japanese verb "shimau", which indicates completed action or negative result

彼は無口な人です。

Kare wa mukuchi na hito desu

He is a quiet person.

He is a silent person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 無口 - adjective that means "quiet" or "silent"
• な - particle connecting the adjective to the noun
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form