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
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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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- Writing
- 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 wa rippusutikku o tsuketa
She put on lipstick.
She pinned a lipstick.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- リップスティック (rippusutikku) - lipstick
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 付けた (tsuketa) - put
Kanojo wa taiyō no yō ni kagayaku to tatoerareru
It is compared to a bright sun.
It is compared to shine like the sun.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 太陽 (taiyou) - Sun
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- ように (you ni) - As, similar to
- 輝く (kagayaku) - shine
- と (to) - Quote particle
- 例えられる (tatoerareru) - be compared, be described as
Kanojo wa shigoto o tashikiri to konasu
She does her job solidly and reliably.
She does the job confirmed.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 仕事 (shigoto) - Job
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 確り (tashika ri) - firmly, securely
- と (to) - connecting particle
- こなす (konasu) - Perform, fulfill
Kanojo wa kare kara okane wo toritateru no ga tokui da
She is good at collecting money from him.
She is good at collecting money from him.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 彼 (kare) - he
- から (kara) - from, starting at
- お金 (okane) - money
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 取り立てる (toritateru) - charge, demand
- のが (noga) - particle indicating skill or talent
- 得意 (tokui) - skilled, talented
- だ (da) - Verb "to be"
Kanojo wa tsuneni jishin o obite iru
She always carries with her confidence.
She is always confident.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 常に (tsuneni) - always
- 自信 (jishin) - Confidence
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 帯びている (ota bite iru) - is loading/possessing
Kanojo wa kokoro ga yande iru
She is suffering from a mental illness.
She's sick.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind, emotions
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 病んでいる (yandeiru) - is sick, is suffering
Kanojo wa kare wo kechirashta
She kicked him away.
She kicked him.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 彼 (kare) - he
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 蹴飛ばした (ketobashita) - kicked away
Kanojo wa ijiwaru na kotoba o itta
She said evil words.
She said an evil word.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 意地悪 (ijiwaru) - evil, cruel
- な (na) - particle modifying a noun
- 言葉 (kotoba) - word
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 言った (itta) - he said
Kanojo wa kokoro o fusagete iru
She's blocking his heart.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind, emotions
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 塞いでいる (fusaideiru) - It is blocked, closed, obstructed
Kanojo wa sainou ni afurete iru
She overflows with talent.
She is full of talent.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 才能 (sainou) - talent
- に (ni) - particle indicating destination or target
- 溢れている (afureteiru) - overflowing, full of
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
