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
- Vocabulary
- 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:

彼女は懸命に勉強しています。

Kanojo wa kenmei ni benkyou shiteimasu

She is studying hard.

彼女 (kanojo) - She
は (wa) - Topic particle
懸命に (kenmei ni) - Dedicadamente
勉強しています (benkyou shiteimasu) - Is studying

彼女は料理に香辛料を添えるのが好きです。

Kanojo wa ryōri ni kōshinryō o soeru no ga suki desu

She likes to add spices to the food.

She likes to add spices to the kitchen.

彼女 (kanojo) - She
は (wa) - Topic particle
料理 (ryōri) - Cooking
に (ni) - Destination particle
香辛料 (kōshinryō) - Spices
を (wo) - Direct object particle
添える (soeru) - add
のが (noga) - nominal subject particle
好き (suki) - Like
です (desu) - sentence-final particle

彼女は援助を必要としています。

Kanojo wa enjo o hitsuyou to shiteimasu

She needs help.

She needs assistance.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
援助 (enjo) - Ajuda, assistência
を (wo) - direct object particle
必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
としています (toshiteimasu) - It is in need

彼女は服を脱ぐのが好きです。

Kanojo wa fuku wo nugu no ga suki desu

She likes to take off her clothes.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
服 (fuku) - clothes
を (wo) - direct object particle
脱ぐ (nugu) - to take out
のが (noga) - particle indicating that the sentence is a nominal subordinate
好き (suki) - like
です (desu) - Verb ser/estar in the formal present tense

彼女は断定的な態度をとった。

Kanojo wa danteiteki na taido o totta

She adopted a decisive attitude.

She adopted a definitive attitude.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
断定的 (danteiteki) - determined, decisive
な (na) - auxiliary particle
態度 (taido) - attitude
を (wo) - direct object particle
とった (totta) - took

彼女は海に石を沈めた。

Kanojo wa umi ni ishi o shizumeta

She sank a stone into the sea.

She sank the stone into the sea.

彼女 (kanojo) - She
は (wa) - Topic particle
海 (umi) - sea
に (ni) - Destination particle
石 (ishi) - stone
を (wo) - Direct object particle
沈めた (shizumeta) - Afundou

彼女は活発な性格です。

Kanojo wa kappatsu na seikaku desu

She has an active personality.

She has a lively personality.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
活発な (kappatsu na) - Ativo, enérgico
性格 (seikaku) - personality
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女は猫を撫でるのが好きです。

Kanojo wa neko wo naderu no ga suki desu

She likes to pet cats.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
猫 (neko) - cat
を (wo) - direct object particle
撫でる (naderu) - to caress
のが (noga) - particle that indicates that the previous verb is the subject of the next sentence
好き (suki) - like
です (desu) - polite way of being