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:

彼女を奪うことは許されない。

Kanojo wo ubau koto wa yurusarenai

It is not allowed to take it.

• 彼女 - "namorada" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 奪う - "roubar" in Japanese
• こと - Abstract noun in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 許されない - "não é permitido" in Japanese

彼女の笑顔が欠けている。

Kanojo no egao ga kaketeteiru

Her smile is missing.

• 彼女 - She
• の - Possessive particle
• 笑顔 - smile
• が - Subject particle
• 欠けている - It's missing

彼女の言葉にはいつも下心がある。

Kanojo no kotoba ni wa itsumo shitagokoro ga aru

Your words always have a heart.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 言葉 - words
• には - have
• いつも - always
• 下心 - ulterior motives
• が - there are
• ある - Gifts

彼女はいつもトラブルに絡まっている。

Kanojo wa itsumo toraburu ni karamatte iru

She is always in trouble.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• いつも - always
• トラブル - problem, difficulty
• に - target particle
• 絡まっている - to be involved, to be tangled

彼女の腕前は素晴らしいです。

Kanojo no udezuki wa subarashii desu

Your skill is wonderful.

• 彼女 - she
• の - Possessive particle
• 腕前 - skill, dexterity
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい - wonderful, splendid
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女はピアノを上手に弾く。

Kanojo wa piano wo jouzu ni hiku

She plays the piano very well.

She plays the piano well.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• ピアノ - piano
• を - direct object particle
• 上手に - skillfully
• 弾く - play (an instrument)

彼女はいつも会話に突っ込みを入れる。

Kanojo wa itsumo kaiwa ni tsukkomi o ireru

She always makes a critical remark during the conversation.

She always rushes into the conversation.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• いつも - always
• 会話 - conversation
• に - target particle
• 突っ込み - intervention, comment
• を - direct object particle
• 入れる - put, add

彼女は優れる能力を持っています。

Kanojo wa sugureru nouryoku wo motteimasu

She has excellent skills.

She has excellent ability.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優れる - be excellent
• 能力 - Skill, capacity
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

彼女は仕舞う前に部屋を片付けた。

Kanojo wa shimau mae ni heya wo katazuketa

She tidied up the room before finishing.

She cleaned the room before the end.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 仕舞う - tidy, store
• 前に - before
• 部屋 - Room, living room
• を - direct object particle
• 片付けた - tidied up, organized

彼女は優雅に振舞う。

Kanojo wa yūga ni furumau

She behaves elegantly.

She behaves gracefully.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優雅に - elegantemente
• 振舞う - comportar-se