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

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:

彼は馴れ馴れしい態度を取った。

Kare wa narenarenashii taido o totta

He adopted a familiar attitude.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 馴れ馴れしい - Japanese adjective meaning "familiar" or "intimate" in a negative sense, as something that is overly familiar or invasive
• 態度 - Japanese noun that means "attitude" or "behavior"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 取った - Japanese verb in the past that means "took" or "adopted"

彼は面目を失った。

Kare wa menboku o ushinatta

He lost face.

He lost face.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 面目 - Japanese noun that means "honor" or "dignity"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 失った - Japanese verb in the past that means "to lose"

彼女は私にお金を呉れると言った。

Kanojo wa watashi ni okane wo kureru to itta

She said she would give me money.

She told me that she would earn money.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• に (ni) - target particle
• お金 (okane) - money
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 呉れる (kureru) - give (humble form)
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 言った (itta) - he said

彼女の派手な服装が目立つ。

Kanojo no hadena fukusō ga medatsu

Her flashy clothes stand out.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 派手 (hade) - extravagant, flashy
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 服装 (fukusou) - clothing, attire
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 目立つ (medatsu) - highlight, draw attention

彼女の顔付きはとても怒っていた。

Kanojo no kaozuki wa totemo okotte ita

Her look was very angry.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 顔付き (kao tsuki) - means "facial expression" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 怒っていた (okotte ita) - verb meaning "to be angry" in the past continuous

彼女は私のアイデアを拒絶しました。

Kanojo wa watashi no aidea o kyozetsu shimashita

She rejected my idea.

She refused my idea.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my/my
• アイデア (aidea) - idea
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 拒絶 (kyozetsu) - Rejected
• しました (shimashita) - Polite past tense of the verb "to do."

彼女は私を勉強に促した。

Kanojo wa watashi o benkyou ni unagashita

She encouraged me to study.

She asked me to study.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• を - direct object particle
• 勉強 - study
• に - target particle
• 促した - encouraged, stimulated

彼女は傍らにいる。

Kanojo wa sobara ni iru

She is beside me.

She is by your side.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 傍ら - Next to
• に - Location particle
• いる - be present

彼女は窓から抜けることができた。

Kanojo wa mado kara nukeru koto ga dekita

She managed to escape through the window.

She was able to climb out of the window.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 窓 - window
• から - of
• 抜ける - escape
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• できた - was able to

私は彼女の側にいたいです。

Watashi wa kanojo no soba ni itai desu

I want to be by her side.

I want to be with her.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 側 - noun meaning "side" or "near"
• に - particle indicating the action of going to or being in a place
• いたい - verb meaning "to want to be" or "to wish to be"
• です - particle indicating the formality of the sentence