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:

彼は有名な氏です。

Kare wa yūmei na uji desu

He is a famous lord.

He is a famous person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 有名 - adjective meaning "famous"
• な - particle connecting the adjective to the noun
• 氏 - noun meaning "sir" or "surname"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

彼は友情を絶った。

Kare wa yūjō o tatta

He cut the friendship.

He lost his friendship.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 友情 - Japanese noun meaning "friendship"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 絶った - Japanese past tense verb meaning "ended" or "broke"

彼は頼もしい人です。

Kare wa tanomoshii hito desu

He is a reliable person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "he"
• 頼もしい - Japanese adjective that means "reliable", "trustworthy", "worthy of trust"
• 人 - Japanese noun meaning "person"
• です - Japanese linking verb indicating the state or condition of the subject, in this case "is"

彼は道を折り返した。

Kare wa michi o orikaeshita

He turned back on the road.

He returned to the road.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 道 - Japanese noun meaning "way"
• を - object particle indicating that "way" is the direct object of the action
• 折り返した - Japanese past tense verb meaning "came back"

彼は紙束を持っている。

Kare wa kamitsuka o motte iru

He is holding a pack of paper.

It has a paper package.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 紙束 - Japanese noun meaning "bundle of paper"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 持っている - Japanese verb meaning "to have, to possess" in the present continuous.

彼はボールを転がすのが上手です。

Kare wa bōru o korogasu no ga jouzu desu

He is good at rolling the ball.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• ボール - Japanese noun that means "ball"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 転がす - Japanese verb meaning "to roll"
• のが - Japanese particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb
• 上手 - Japanese adjective that means "good at"
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality and politeness of the sentence

彼は手を挙げて質問をした。

Kare wa te o agete shitsumon o shita

He raised his hand and asked a question.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 手 - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を - object particle indicating that "hand" is the direct object of the action
• 挙げて - Japanese verb meaning "lift" or "raise", conjugated in the gerund to indicate that the action is in progress
• 質問 - Japanese noun meaning "question"
• を - object particle that indicates that "question" is the direct object of the action
• した - Japanese verb "suru", conjugated in the past to indicate that the action has already been completed.

彼は鈍い人だ。

Kare wa nibui hito da

He is a slow person.

He is a boring person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 鈍い - Japanese adjective meaning "slow", "stupid", "silly"
• 人 - Japanese noun meaning "person"
• だ - Japanese verb indicating the state or condition of the subject

彼は冷酷な人間だ。

Kare wa reikoku na ningen da

He is a cruel person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 冷酷 - Japanese adjective that means "cruel" or "ruthless".
• な - Japanese particle that functions as an adjective
• 人間 - Japanese noun that means "human being"
• だ - Japanese verb that means "to be"

彼はハンサムです。

Kare wa hansamu desu

He is handsome.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
• ハンサム - adjective meaning "beautiful", "attractive" or "charming"
• です - verb of being, which indicates an affirmation or a description