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

yako

servant; partner

向こう

mukou

in addition; there; opposite direction; the other part

hoka

other

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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- 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:

彼女の髪は真っ黒で美しいです。

Kanojo no kami wa makkuro de utsukushii desu

Her hair is black and beautiful.

  • 彼女 - she
  • の - of
  • 髪 - hair
  • は - (topic particle)
  • 真っ黒 - pure black
  • で - (connection particle)
  • 美しい - beautiful
  • です - (polite way of being)
彼女の髪の毛は垂れていた。

Kanojo no kaminoke wa tareru

Her hair was falling.

Her hair was hanging.

  • 彼女 - She
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 髪の毛 - Hair
  • は - Topic particle
  • 垂れていた - It was hanging
彼女の反応は大げさすぎる。

Kanojo no hankou wa oogesa sugiru

Its reaction is very exaggerated.

  • 彼女 - she
  • の - Possession particle
  • 反応 - reação
  • は - Topic particle
  • 大げさ - exagerado
  • すぎる - too much
彼女は私に対して優しいです。

Kanojo wa watashi ni taishite yasashii desu

She is kind to me.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - She (female)
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 私に対して (watashi ni taishite) - in relation to me
  • 優しいです (yasashii desu) - is kind
彼女はとても優しいです。

Kanojo wa totemo yasashii desu

She is very kind.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - She (female)
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • とても (totemo) - Very
  • 優しい (yasashii) - kind
  • です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present
彼女の表情はとても穏やかだ。

Kanojo no hyōjō wa totemo odayaka da

Your expression is very calm.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she/girlfriend
  • の (no) - Possessive particle
  • 表情 (hyoujou) - Expressão facial
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • とても (totemo) - very
  • 穏やか (odayaka) - calm/serene
  • だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present
彼女の忍耐力は果てしない。

Kanojo no nintairyoku wa hateshinai

Your patience is endless.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she/girlfriend
  • の (no) - Possessive particle
  • 忍耐力 (nintairyoku) - patience/resistance
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 果てしない (hateshinai) - infinite/endless
彼女の演技は素晴らしいです。

Kanojo no engi wa subarashii desu

Your performance is wonderful.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • の (no) - of
  • 演技 (engi) - performance
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 素晴らしい (subarashii) - amazing
  • です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
彼女の料理は立派です。

Kanojo no ryōri wa rippana desu

Her plate is fine.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • の (no) - of
  • 料理 (ryouri) - cuisine
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 立派 (rippa) - splendid, excellent
  • です (desu) - Ser/estar (linking verb)
彼女の憎らしい態度にはいつもイライラする。

Kanojo no nikurashii taido ni wa itsumo iraira suru

I always get frustrated with your hated attitude.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • の (no) - Possession particle
  • 憎らしい (nikurashii) - odious, detestable
  • 態度 (taido) - attitude, behavior
  • には (ni wa) - particle indicating emphasis
  • いつも (itsumo) - always
  • イライラする (iraira suru) - get irritated, frustrated
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Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

我々

wareware

we

こう

kou

in this way

kun

Mr. (junior); master; boy

彼等

karera

they

kimi

you (masc. Term for feminine)

he