Translation and Meaning of: 此れ等 - korera

The Japanese word 此れ等[これら] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life. Additionally, we will understand its importance in the Japanese language and how it differs from other similar expressions. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is a great reference.

"これら" is a demonstrative pronoun that refers to objects or things that are close to the speaker, but with a plural sense. While "これ" indicates a single item, "これら" encompasses several. This distinction is crucial to avoid common mistakes among students. Let's uncover its uses, variations, and even curiosities that make this word so interesting.

Meaning and use of 此れ等 [これら]

This [これら] is a plural form of the demonstrative pronoun "これ", which means "this" or "these". It is used to refer to objects or situations close to the speaker, but with a collective sense. For example, if someone points to a group of books nearby, they might say "これらは面白いです" (These are interesting). The word carries a nuance of physical or emotional closeness.

It is worth noting that, although "これら" is grammatically correct, Japanese people often choose simpler structures in everyday conversation, such as repeating "これ" or using alternative expressions. This does not diminish its importance, as in formal texts or specific speeches, "これら" is still widely used. Its usage demonstrates mastery of the language and attention to grammatical nuances.

Origin and writing of 此れ等[これら]

The composition of 此れ等[これら] reveals much about its function. The kanji 此 (こ) indicates proximity, while 等 (ら) is a suffix that denotes plurality. This combination is common in other pronouns, such as "それら" (those) and "あれら" (those more distant). The origin traces back to classical Japanese, where the particle "ら" was already used to pluralize terms.

Although kanji exists, it is more common to see "これら" in hiragana in everyday life. This occurs because demonstrative pronouns are often simplified in informal writing. The kanji version, however, appears in literary or academic texts, reinforcing the richness of the language. To memorize, it is worth associating the final "ら" with other plural words, such as "彼ら" (they).

Differences between これら and similar expressions

A common mistake is to confuse "これら" with "これらの", which includes the possessive particle "の". While "これら" functions as a pronoun ("These are good"), "これらの" always precedes a noun ("These books are good"). This small difference completely changes the structure of the sentence. Another frequent confusion is with "これたち", a form that does not exist in standard Japanese.

In informal contexts, Japanese people can substitute "これら" with "これ" even in the plural, depending on the situation. However, in professional or written environments, using the correct form demonstrates linguistic accuracy. For students, it is ideal to practice both situations, understanding when each variation is more appropriate. Observing dialogues in doramas or animes can help capture these nuances.