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:

彼は落第してしまった。

Kare wa rakudai shite shimatta

He failed on the exam.

He fell.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 落第 - noun that means "failure in an exam", "disapproval"
• してしまった - verb composed of the te form of the verb "suru" (to do) and the verb "shimau" (to complete, to finish), indicating that the action of "failing" has already been completed

彼の言葉は露骨すぎる。

Kare no kotoba wa rokotsu sugiru

His words are very frank.

Your words are very explicit.

• 彼の - "From him"
• 言葉 - "words"
• は - Topic particle
• 露骨 - frank, "direct"
• すぎる - suffix that indicates excess, "too much"

彼は車を運転中に猫を轢いてしまった。

Kare wa kuruma o untenchuu ni neko o hikikatte shimatta

He ran over a cat while driving.

He ran over a cat while driving a car.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "he"
• 車 - noun that means "car"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "car"
• 運転中 - compound noun that means "during driving"
• に - particle indicating the moment when the action took place, in this case, "during the driving"
• 猫 - noun that means "cat"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "cat"
• 轢いてしまった - compound verb that means "ran over/accidentally ran over"

彼の態度はとても冷たいです。

Kare no taido wa totemo tsumetai desu

Your attitude is very cold.

• 彼の (kare no) - from him
• 態度 (taido) - attitude
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - "very"
• 冷たい (tsumetai) - cold
• です (desu) - polite way of "to be"

彼のビジネスは最近不振だ。

Kare no bijinesu wa saikin fushin da

Your business has been down lately.

Your business has recently been slow.

• 彼の - his
• ビジネス - noun "business"
• は - Topic particle
• 最近 - adverb "recently"
• 不振 - "low performance"
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

彼の能力は私を超す。

Kare no nouryoku wa watashi wo kosu

His skill exceeds mine.

Your skill is super.

• 彼の - his
• 能力 - "habilidade, capacidade" = "skill, ability"
• は - Topic particle
• 私を - personal pronoun "I" + direct object particle
• 超す - verb "to exceed, to surpass"

彼の考えを覆すことはできなかった。

Kare no kangae wo kutsugaesu koto wa dekinakatta

I couldn't change his opinion.

I couldn't overthrow your thoughts.

• 彼の (Kare no) - "From him"
• 考え (Kangae) - "Thought"
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 覆す (Kaosu) - "Knock down"
• こと (Koto) - Nominal suffix indicating action or event
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• できなかった (Dekinakatta) - "Não pude"

彼の意思は明確ではない。

Kare no ishi wa meikaku de wa nai

Your intention is unclear.

Your intention is not clear.

• 彼の意思 - "Your intention"
• は - Topic particle
• 明確 - "Clara"
• ではない - "Is not"

彼のスキルは私のよりも劣る。

Kare no sukiru wa watashi no yori mo otoru

Your skill is inferior than me.

• 彼のスキル - His skill
• は - Topic particle
• 私の - My
• よりも - Than
• 劣る - Being inferior

彼の話は誇張されすぎて信じられない。

Kare no hanashi wa kochou sare sugite shinjirarenai

His story is so exaggerated that he cannot believe it.

• 彼の話 - "your story"
• は - Topic particle
• 誇張されすぎて - "too exaggerated"
• 信じられない - "cannot be believed"