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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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 byouki no yuujin wo mimau tame ni byouin ni ikimashita
She went to the hospital to visit a sick friend.
She went to the hospital to see her sick friend.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 病気 (byouki) - disease
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 友人 (yuujin) - amigo/amiga
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 見舞う (mimau) - visit (someone who is ill)
- ために (tameni) - for
- 病院 (byouin) - hospital
- に (ni) - Location particle
- 行きました (ikimashita) - foi (past tense of ir)
Kanojo wa watashi to tabemono wo wakeru koto wo kyohi shita
She refused to share the food with me.
She refused to separate the food from me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- と (to) - particle indicating company
- 食べ物 (tabemono) - food
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 分ける (wakeru) - Divide
- こと (koto) - noun indicating action or event
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 拒否する (kyohosuru) - Refuse
- た (ta) - Past verbal suffix
Kanojo wa watashi ga kare to hanashite iru no o mite yandete ita
She was jealous of me talking to him.
She was jealous to see me talking to him.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 彼 (kare) - he
- と (to) - accompanying particle
- 話している (hanashiteiru) - speaking
- のを (nowo) - object particle
- 見て (mite) - selling
- 妬んでいた (netandeita) - I was jealous
Kanojo wa watashi o tomodachi ni shōkai shite kuremashita
She introduced me as a friend.
She introduced me to my friend.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 友達 (tomodachi) - amigo/amiga
- に (ni) - target particle
- 紹介してくれました (shoukai shite kuremashita) - introduced me
Kanojo wa watashi no shinpo o habamanda
She prevented me from progressing.
She disturbed my progress.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 進歩 (shinpo) - progress
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 阻んだ (samatanda) - prevented
Kanojo wa watashi o mitsumeru
She stares at me.
She looks at me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 見詰める (mitsumeru) - Stare, gaze
Kanojo wa watashi wo uragitta
She cheated on me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 裏切った (uragitta) - cheated
Kanojo wa watashi no purezento o mite yorokobimashita
She was happy to see my present.
She was pleased to see my gift.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私の (watashi no) - mine
- プレゼント (purezento) - Present
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 見て (mite) - selling
- 喜びました (yorokobimashita) - He was happy
Kanojo wa watashi o nozoku daremo shōtai shinakatta
She didn't invite anyone but me.
She didn't invite me except me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 除く (nokoru) - except
- 誰も (daremo) - nobody
- 招待 (shoutai) - invitation
- しなかった (shinakatta) - did not
Kanojo wa kuukou de watashi wo demukae te kureta
She received me at the airport.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 空港 (kūkō) - airport
- で (de) - Location particle
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 出迎えてくれた (demukaetekureta) - received me
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
