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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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 watashi no iken ni hankann wo shimeshita
She expressed disapproval of my opinion.
She showed my opinion in my opinion.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 私の (watashi no) - my
- 意見 (iken) - opinion
- に (ni) - target particle
- 反感 (hankan) - aversion
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 示した (shimeshita) - showed
Kanojo wa mimimoto de sasayaku no ga suki desu
She likes to whisper in her ear.
She likes to whisper in her ears.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 耳元 (mimimoto) - next to the ear
- で (de) - Location particle
- 囁く (sasayaku) - whisper
- のが (noga) - particle indicating preference
- 好き (suki) - like
- です (desu) - polite way of being
Kanojo wa kuukou de watashi wo demukaeru yotei desu
She has plans to meet me at the airport.
She will meet 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
- 出迎える (demukaeru) - receive, find
- 予定 (yotei) - plan, schedule
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kanojo wa jibun no kanjou o seisuru koto ga dekiru
She can control her emotions.
She can control her emotions.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 自分 (jibun) - yourself
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 感情 (kanjou) - emotion
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 制する (seisuru) - to control
- ことができる (koto ga dekiru) - Be able to
Kanojo wa jibun no koe o yowameta
She lowered her voice.
She weakened her voice.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 自分 (jibun) - yourself
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 声 (koe) - voice
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 弱めた (yowameta) - weakened
Kanojo wa nimotsu o hikizuru yō ni aruita
She was dragging her luggage.
She walked to drag her luggage.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 荷物 (nimotsu) - luggage
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 引きずる (hikizuru) - drag
- ように (youni) - como se - as
- 歩いた (aruita) - walked
Kanojo wa jibun no himitsu o bōro shita
She revealed her secret.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 自分 (jibun) - yourself
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 秘密 (himitsu) - secret
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 暴露した (bakuro shita) - revealed/exposed
Kanojo wa odori no furi ga jouzu desu
She is good at doing the dance moves.
She is good at dancing.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 踊り (odori) - dance
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 振り (furi) - Movements
- が (ga) - Subject particle
- 上手 (jouzu) - Skill, skilled
- です (desu) - polite way of being
Kanojo wa tsurai byouki ni koraete iru
She is supporting a painful disease.
She has a painful disease.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 辛い (tsurai) - Painful, difficult
- 病気 (byouki) - disease
- に (ni) - particle indicating target or destination
- 堪えている (koraeteiru) - enduring, enduring
Kanojo wa watashi o niranda
She looked at me angrily.
She looked at me.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 私 (watashi) - I
- を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 睨んだ (niranda) - stared, faced
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
