Translation and Meaning of: 此れ - kore

If you are learning Japanese, you have certainly come across the word 此れ[これ]. Present in everyday dialogues, animes, and even in educational materials, it is one of the most commonly used demonstrative pronouns in the language. But what does it mean exactly? How did it come about? And why is it so frequent in the daily life of the Japanese? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this essential word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and use of 此れ[これ]

此れ[これ] is a demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this thing." It is used to refer to objects, concepts, or situations close to the speaker. If you are holding a book, for example, you can point to it and say "これは本です" (kore wa hon desu), which means "This is a book."

Unlike Portuguese, which has variations like "este", "esta", and "isto", Japanese uses これ for all genders and numbers. This simplifies learning, but also requires attention to context. If someone asks "これは何ですか？" (kore wa nan desu ka?), they are questioning "What is this?" – and the answer depends on what is being indicated.

Origin and writing in kanji

The most common way to write これ is in hiragana (これ), but it can also be represented by the kanji 此れ. The character 此 (ko) carries the meaning of "this" or "here," while れ (re) is a grammatical suffix. Together, they reinforce the idea of proximity to the speaker.

Although the kanji is technically correct, it rarely appears in everyday life. Writing in hiragana is predominant, especially in materials for students and even in informal texts among natives. This happens because many kanjis considered archaic or complex have been replaced by hiragana over time.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize これ is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine holding an object and saying "これは…" (kore wa…), completing it with the name of the object in Japanese. This simple exercise helps to internalize the natural use of the word.

Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues in anime or Japanese dramas. Characters often use これ to point out things close to them. Repeating these phrases out loud can improve both pronunciation and contextual understanding.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

これ (kore) - This (something that is close to the speaker)
ここ (koko) - This place (a location close to the speaker)
こちら (kochira) - This side/this direction (usually used to refer to a place or direction more formally or politely)