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
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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:

彼の行方は分からない。

Kare no yukue wa wakaranai

I don't know where he went.

I don't know where he goes.

彼の行方 - "Kare no yukue" means "his whereabouts".
は - "Wa" is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
分からない - "Wakaranai" means "I don't know" or "I don't understand."

彼らは心中を図った。

Karera wa shinjuu o hakatta

They attempted a double suicide.

They tried in the heart.

彼ら - pronoun that means "they"
は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
心中 - noun meaning "double suicide"
を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
図った - verb in the past that means "tried"

彼らは会社を乗っ取った。

Karera wa kaisha o nottoriotta

They took over the company.

彼ら - Japanese pronoun meaning "they"
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
会社 - Japanese noun meaning "company"
を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
乗っ取った - Japanese verb in the past meaning "took possession of"

彼女がいなくなると寂しくなる。

Kanojo ga inaku naru to sabishiku naru

When my girlfriend disappears

I feel lonely when she is gone.

彼女 - "girlfriend"
が - subject particle
いなくなる - "disappear, vanish"
と - condition particle
寂しく - "lonely"
なる - "become"

彼女の人生は愛と幸福に富んでいる。

Kanojo no jinsei wa ai to kōfuku ni michinde iru

Your life is rich in love and happiness.

彼女 - her in Japanese
の - Possession particle in Japanese
人生 - "Life" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
愛 - "愛" em japonês
と - connection particle in Japanese
幸福 - 「幸せ」
に - Location particle in Japanese
富んでいる - "いっぱい" (ippai)

彼女に早く結婚の知らせを知らせたい。

Kanojo ni hayaku kekkon no shirase o shirasetai

I want to inform you of the wedding news as soon as possible.

彼女 - "girlfriend"
に - particle indicating the target of the action, "to"
早く - "quickly"
結婚 - "marriage"
の - particle indicating possession, "of"
知らせ - "news"
を - particle indicating the direct object of the action, "to"
知らせたい - verb "to notify"

彼女に見舞いを送りました。

Kanojo ni mimai o okurimashita

I sent her a visit.

I sent a visit to her.

彼女 - "girlfriend"
に - particle indicating the target of the action ("for" the girlfriend)
見舞い - "visit" or "gift for a visit"
を - particle indicating the direct object of the action (he sent "the visit" or "the visiting gift" to his girlfriend)
送りました - "sent"

彼女の心は真っ二つに割れた。

Kanojo no kokoro wa maffutatsu ni wareta

Her heart broke in two.