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

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.

Example Sentences - (彼) kare

See below some example sentences:

彼女はだらしない服装をしている。

Kanojo wa darashinai fukusō o shite iru

She is dressed in a sloppy way.

She wears sloppy clothes.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• だらしない (darashinai) - sloppy, messy
• 服装 (fukusou) - clothing, attire
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• している (shiteiru) - is wearing, is dressed

彼女は自分の能力に傲っている。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku ni ogorotte iru

She is proud of her abilities.

She is arrogant in her abilities.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or destination
• 傲っている (hokotteiru) - be proud, arrogant

彼女は近寄ると私に微笑んだ。

Kanojo wa chikayoru to watashi ni hohoenda

She smiled at me as she approached.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 近寄る (chikayoru) - to approach
• と (to) - particle indicating simultaneous action
• 私 (watashi) - I
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 微笑む (hohoemu) - to smile

彼女に近付けるように努力しています。

Kanojo ni chikazukeru you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard to get closer to her.

I'm trying to get closer to her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action
• 近付ける (chikazukeru) - a verb meaning "to approach"
• ように (youni) - an expression meaning "so as"
• 努力しています (doryokushiteimasu) - a verb meaning "I am trying hard"

彼女にプロジェクトを任せました。

Kanojo ni purojekuto o makasemashita

I delegated the project to her.

I left her a project.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action, in this case, "to"
• プロジェクト (purojekuto) - the Japanese word for "project"
• を (wo) - a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "as"
• 任せました (makasemashita) - a polite form of the verb "to trust" in Japanese, meaning "I trusted"

彼女の演技は華々しいです。

Kanojo no engi wa hanabanasai desu

Your performance is brilliant.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
• 演技 (engi) - means "acting" or "interpretation" in Japanese
• は (wa) - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the performance"
• 華々しい (hanabanashii) - adjective meaning "splendid" or "brilliant"
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is formal

彼女の声が聞こえる。

Kanojo no koe ga kikoeru

I can hear her voice.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 声 (koe) - means "voice" in Japanese
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 聞こえる (kikoeru) - A palavra é "audível" em inglês.

彼女はいつも私を労ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi o itawatte kureru

She always takes care of me.

She always works for me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - means "always" in Japanese
• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 労ってくれる (tsutomete kureru) - The verb that means "to take care of" or "to be concerned about" in Japanese is 世話する (せわする, sewa suru).

彼女は突然現われた。

Kanojo wa totsuzen arawareta

She appeared suddenly.

She suddenly appeared.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 突然 (totsuzen) - adverb meaning "suddenly" or "suddenly"
• 現われた (arawata) - verb meaning "appeared" or "arose"

彼女は私の誘いを拒否した。

Kanojo wa watashi no sasoi o kyohi shita

She declined my invitation.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - "Meu" in Japanese
• 誘い (sasoi) - "invitation" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 拒否した (kyohi shita) - "refused" in Japanese