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] é um pronome pessoal que significa "ele". Ele é usado para se referir a um homem em específico, geralmente em situações informais ou cotidianas. Diferentemente de outros termos mais formais, 彼 carrega um tom mais direto e casual, sendo comum em conversas entre amigos ou familiares.

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:

彼女との交際はとても楽しいです。

Kanojo to no kousai wa totemo tanoshii desu

My relationship with my girlfriend is a lot of fun.

Dating with her is a lot of fun.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend"
• との (tono) - a particle that indicates "with"
• 交際 (kousai) - it means "dating"
• は (wa) - a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - means "very"
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - means "fun"
• です (desu) - a particle that indicates the end of the sentence and formality

彼女はいつも着飾るのが好きです。

Kanojo wa itsumo kikazaru no ga suki desu

She always likes to dress up.

She always likes to dress up.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• いつも - Always in Japanese
• 着飾る - "to dress oneself" in Japanese
• の - nominal particle in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 好き - "like" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese

彼女の失恋は気の毒だ。

Kanojo no shitsuren wa ki no doku da

It is a pity that she suffered a heartbreak.

Your broken heart is sorry.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 失恋 - heartbreak in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 気の毒 - regrettable in Japanese
• だ - verb "to be" in Japanese

彼女はセンスがある。

Kanojo wa sensu ga aru

She has a sense of style.

She has a sense.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Topic particle
• センス - "senso" in Japanese, referring to skill or taste in something.
• が - subject particle
• ある - "exists" or "has" in Japanese, referring to the previously mentioned skill or good taste

彼女はいつも私の側に添ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi no soba ni sotte kureru

She always stays by my side.

She always accompanies me.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• いつも - Always in Japanese
• 私の - "my" in Japanese
• 側に - "next to" in Japanese
• 添ってくれる - "accompanies" in Japanese, with the verb in the form "te-form" and the suffix "kureru" indicating that it is something done for the benefit of the speaker

彼女は大人しいです。

Kanojo wa otonashii desu

She is quiet.

She is quiet.

• 彼女 - "kanojo" - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は - wa- Japanese topic particle
• 大人しい - "quiet" adjective that means "quiet" or "calm" in Japanese
• です - desu - verb to be in Japanese

彼女を心に留める。

Kanojo wo kokoro ni todomeru

I keep her in my heart.

Remember if.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 心 - "coração" in Japanese
• に - Location particle in Japanese
• 留める - "to remember" or "to keep in mind" in Japanese

彼女を見送りました。

Kanojo wo misokuri mashita

I accompanied her to the station.

I forgot it.

• 彼女 - "kanojo" means "girlfriend" or "she"
• を - object particle
• 見送りました - "miokurimashita" means "saying goodbye to someone"

彼女は彼に訴えるつもりだ。

Kanojo wa kare ni uttaeru tsumori da

She intends to sue him.

She intends to attract him.

• 彼女 - "kanojo" means "she" in Japanese.
• は - "wa" is a topic particle in Japanese.
• 彼に - "kare ni" means "for him" in Japanese.
• 訴える - "uttaeru" means "to complain" or "to sue" in Japanese.
• つもり - "tsumori" means "intention" in Japanese.
• だ - "da" is a copulative particle in Japanese.

彼女の歌声には感心する。

Kanojo no utagoe ni wa kanshin suru

I am impressed with her singing voice.

I'm impressed with her singing voice.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 歌声 - Singing voice
• に - in
• は - (topic particle)
• 感心 - admiration, praise
• する - make