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:

彼女は眼鏡を掛けている。

Kanojo wa megane o kakette iru

She is wearing glasses.

She wears glasses.

• 彼女 - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 眼鏡 - The word for "glasses" in Japanese is "眼鏡" (めがね, megane).
• を - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 掛けている - The present continuous form of the verb 掛ける (kakeru), which means "to use" or "to put on."

彼女の髪は風に漂っていた。

Kanojo no kami wa kaze ni tadayotte ita

Her hair was floating in the wind.

• 彼女 - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 髪 - means "hair" in Japanese
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 風 - means "wind" in Japanese
• に - particle that indicates action or direction
• 漂っていた - verb meaning "to float" or "to hover" in the past continuous tense

彼女は彼を放り出した。

Kanojo wa kare o houridashta

She pushed him aside.

She left him.

• 彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 彼 - It means "he" in Japanese.
• を - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 放り出した - Japanese verb that means "to throw away" or "to abandon."

彼女は私の趣味を嫌う。

Kanojo wa watashi no shumi o kirau

She doesn't like my hobbies.

She hates my hobby.

• 彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese.
• 私の - "meu" in Japanese.
• 趣味 - "hobby" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 嫌う - "Odiar" in Japanese.

彼女の機嫌が悪い。

Kanojo no kigen ga warui

She is in a bad mood.

• 彼女 - Means "girlfriend" or "she" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 機嫌 - means "mood" or "state of mind" in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 悪い - means "bad" in Japanese.

彼女と私は似るように見える。

Kanojo to watashi wa niru you ni mieru

She and I look similar.

• 彼女 - "Namorada" significa "彼女" (かのじ, kanojo) em japonês.
• と - a binding particle in Japanese, which can be translated as "and" or "with"
• 私 - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は - a particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 似る - a Japanese verb meaning "to resemble"
• ように - a particle in Japanese that indicates a comparison or similarity
• 見える - a Japanese verb meaning "to look" or "to appear"

彼女は来年赤ちゃんを産む予定です。

Kanojo wa rainen akachan o umu yotei desu

She plans to have a baby next year.

She will have a baby next year.

• 彼女 - means "girlfriend" or "she" in Japanese
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that "she" is the subject of the sentence
• 来年 - means "next year" in Japanese
• 赤ちゃん - means "baby" in Japanese
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicating that "baby" is the object of the action
• 産む - means "to give birth" in Japanese
• 予定 - means "plan" or "schedule" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative

彼女を街で見掛けた。

Kanojo wo machi de mikakeru ta

I saw her on the street.

I saw her in town.

• 彼女 - Means "girlfriend" or "she" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 街 - means "street" or "city" in Japanese.
• で - location particle in Japanese.
• 見掛けた - means "sight" or "see" in Japanese, in the past tense.

彼女のドレスは真っ赤でとても美しかった。

Kanojo no doresu wa makka de totemo utsukushikatta

Her dress was living red and very beautiful.

His dress was bright and very beautiful red.

• 彼女の - "Kanojo no" means "of the girlfriend."
• ドレス - "Doresu" means "dress"
• は - "Wa" is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 真っ赤 - "Makka" means "bright red".
• で - "De" is a particle that indicates the means or manner of something.
• とても - "totemo" means "very"
• 美しかった - "Utsukushikatta" means "it was beautiful."

「彼女との約束は無しです。」

Kanojo to no yakusoku wa nashi desu

There is no promise to her.

• 彼女との約束 - means "commitment to girlfriend"
• は - Topic particle
• 無し - means "there is no"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form