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
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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
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:
Kare wa yakusoku wo yabutta
He broke the promise.
He broke his promise.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
- 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise"
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "promise".
- 破った - The Japanese verb in the past that means "broke" or "violated" is "壊れた" (kowareta).
Kare wa watashi ni atarashii waza o shitsuketa
He taught me a new technique.
He had a new technique for me.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
- 私に - Japanese pronoun that means "for me"
- 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
- 技 - Japanese noun that means "technique" or "skill"
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "technique".
- 仕付けた - Japanese verb that means "taught" or "trained"
Kare wa jibun no nouryoku o tsuyomeru tame ni mainichi renshuu shite iru
He practices every day to strengthen his skills.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
- 自分 - Japanese pronoun meaning "oneself"
- の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "your"
- 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
- を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "skill"
- 強める - Japanese verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to increase"
- ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "with the aim of"
- 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
- 練習 - Japanese noun meaning "training" or "practice"
- している - continuous form of the Japanese verb "する", which means "to do"
Kare wa kuni o osameru nouryoku ga aru
He has the ability to rule a country.
He has the ability to rule the country.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 国 - Japanese noun that means "country"
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 治める - Japanese verb that means "to govern."
- 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
- が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
- . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence
Kare wa chiimu o hikiiru
He leads the team.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- チーム - Japanese word that means "time" or "team"
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 率いる - Japanese verb that means "to lead" or "to command"
Kare wa teki o utsu tame ni tatakai ni deta
He went out to fight to defeat the enemy.
He went to fight to defeat the enemy.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 敵 - Japanese noun that means "enemy"
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 討つ - Japanese verb meaning "defeat"
- ために - Japanese expression that means "for"
- 戦い - Japanese noun meaning "battle"
- に - Japanese particle that indicates the place where the action takes place
- 出た - Japanese verb meaning "to leave"
Kare wa gake kara tenraku shita
He fell from a cliff.
He fell from the cliff.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 崖 - Japanese noun meaning "cliff"
- から - Japanese particle that indicates origin or starting point.
- 転落 - Japanese noun that means "fall."
- した - Japanese verb in the past that means "fell"
Kare wa nesshin ni kare no riron o tokuita
He passionately explained his theory.
He eagerly preached his theory.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 熱心に - Japanese adverb meaning "with enthusiasm"
- 彼の - Japanese possessive pronoun meaning "your"
- 理論を - Japanese noun that means "theory" and the particle "wo" indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 説いた - Japanese verb meaning "explain" in the past tense
Kare wa dorobou o toratta
He captured the thief.
He caught a thief.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 泥棒 - Japanese noun meaning "thief"
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 捕まった - Japanese verb meaning "captured"
Kare wa watashitachi no puraibashī o okasu koto wa dekinai
He cannot invade our privacy.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 私たち - Japanese pronoun that means "we"
- の - Japanese particle that indicates possession
- プライバシー - プライバシー
- を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 侵す - Japanese verb meaning "to invade".
- こと - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence (repeated)
- できない - negative Japanese verb that means "to be unable to"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
