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

Related words

彼此

arekore

One thing or another; this and that; this or that

彼の

ano

that over there

彼方

achira

1. there; there; that one

彼処

asoko

1. (UK) There; there; that place; 2. (x) (Col) genitals.

彼等

karera

they

彼女

kanojyo

she; girlfriend; darling

彼方此方

achirakochira

here and there

yako

servant; partner

向こう

mukou

in addition; there; opposite direction; the other part

hoka

other

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:

彼女は優秀な学生です。

Kanojo wa yūshūna gakusei desu

She is an excellent student.

She is an excellent student.

  • 彼女 - She
  • は - Topic particle
  • 優秀な - Great
  • 学生 - student
  • です - Ser/estar (linking verb)
彼女は敵を滅ぼすために戦った。

Kanojo wa teki o horobosu tame ni tatakatta

She fought to destroy the enemy.

  • 彼女 - she
  • は - Topic particle
  • 敵 - enemy
  • を - direct object particle
  • 滅ぼす - destroy, annihilate
  • ために - in order to
  • 戦った - fought (past tense of the verb 戦う - tatakau)
彼女は彼の束縛に苦しんでいる。

Kanojo wa kare no sokubaku ni kurushinde iru

She is suffering from her restriction.

She is suffering from her restriction.

  • 彼女 - she
  • は - Topic particle
  • 彼の - delete
  • 束縛 - restriction, imprisonment, limitation
  • に - target particle
  • 苦しんでいる - is suffering
彼女は私の料理を褒めました。

Kanojo wa watashi no ryōri o homerimashita

She complimented my food.

  • 彼女 - she
  • は - Topic particle
  • 私 - I
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 料理 - cooking, kitchen, dish
  • を - direct object particle
  • 褒めました - praised
彼女は料理に凝っている。

Kanojo wa ryōri ni korotte iru

She's obsessed with cooking.

It is made by cooking.

  • 彼女 - She
  • は - Topic particle
  • 料理 - Cooking
  • に - particle indicating the object of the action
  • 凝っている - She is obsessed.
彼女は私に何を問うのか分からない。

Kanojo wa watashi ni nani o tou no ka wakaranai

I don't know what she is asking me.

She doesn't know what she asks.

  • 彼女 - She
  • は - Topic particle
  • 私に - for me
  • 何を - what
  • 問う - to ask
  • のか - Particle that indicates a question
  • 分からない - I don't know
彼女は私を叱った。

Kanojo wa watashi o shikatta

She scolded me.

  • 彼女 - She
  • は - Topic particle
  • 私 - I
  • を - Direct object particle
  • 叱った - Regañou
彼女は素晴らしい演技を演じた。

Kanojo wa subarashii engi o enjita

She did a wonderful performance.

She performed a wonderful performance.

  • 彼女 - she
  • は - Topic particle
  • 素晴らしい - amazing
  • 演技 - performance
  • を - direct object particle
  • 演じた - interpreted
彼女は私に追い付くのが難しいです。

Kanojo wa watashi ni oitsuku no ga muzukashii desu

She has a hard time reaching me.

She is difficult to talk to me.

  • 彼女 - She
  • は - Topic particle
  • 私に - for me
  • 追い付く - Achieve
  • のが - Nominal particle
  • 難しい - Difficult
  • です - To be (polite)
彼女は自分の能力を現すことができた。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku wo arawasu koto ga dekita

She was able to show her skills.

  • 彼女 - she
  • は - Topic particle
  • 自分 - yourself
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 能力 - Skill, capacity
  • を - direct object particle
  • 現す - show, demonstrate
  • こと - verb noun
  • が - subject particle
  • できた - be able to, achieve
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Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

kimi

you (masc. Term for feminine)

こう

kou

in this way

彼等

karera

they

kun

Mr. (junior); master; boy

我々

wareware

we

he