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
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.
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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:
Kanojo no hitogara wa totemo atatakakute shinsetsu desu
Your personality is very warm and kind.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 人柄 (hitogara) - personality
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- とても (totemo) - Very
- 温かくて (atatakakute) - Hot and
- 親切 (shinsetsu) - kind
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar
Kanojo no fukusō wa misuborashii desu
Her clothes look bad.
Your clothes are shabby.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 服装 (fukusou) - clothing, attire
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 見すぼらしい (misuborashii) - Messy, careless
- です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form
Kanojo no seichou wo samatageru koto wa dekinai
It cannot stop its growth.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 成長 (seichou) - Growth
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 妨げる (samatageru) - impedir
- こと (koto) - abstract noun
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- できない (dekinai) - cannot be done
Kanojo wa kōhīkappu o otoshita
She dropped her cup of coffee.
She dropped her cup of coffee.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- コーヒーカップ (koohii kappu) - Cup of coffee
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 落とした (otoshita) - let it fall
Kanojo wa aisukurīmu o nameru ta
She licked the ice cream.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- アイスクリーム (aisukurimu) - Ice cream
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 嘗めた (name ta) - Lambeau
Kanojo wa totemo rikou desu
She's very smart.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- とても (totemo) - very
- 利口 (rikou) - intelligent
- です (desu) - verb ser/estar (polite)
Kanojo wa totemo jouzu ni hito o atsukau
She is very good at dealing with people.
She treats people very well.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- とても (totemo) - very
- 上手 (jouzu) - skillful, good
- に (ni) - Target particle
- 人 (hito) - person
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 扱う (atsukau) - deal with, treat
Kanojo wa totemo utsukushii desu
She is very beautiful.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- とても (totemo) - very
- 美しい (utsukushii) - beautiful
- です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Kanojo wa totemo nasakebukai hito desu
She is a very compassionate person.
She is a very sad person.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- とても (totemo) - very
- 情け深い (nasakebukai) - compassionate
- 人 (hito) - person
- です (desu) - Ser/estar (linking verb)
Kanojo wa unun to hanashiteita
She was talking about it and that.
She was talking.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 云々 (unun) - etc., and so on
- と (to) - Quote particle
- 話していた (hanashiteita) - I was speaking
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
