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 , 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

Related words

彼此

arekore

One thing or another; this and that; this or that

彼の

ano

that over there

彼方

achira

1. there; there; that one

彼処

asoko

1. (UK) There; there; that place; 2. (x) (Col) genitals.

彼等

karera

they

彼女

kanojyo

she; girlfriend; darling

彼方此方

achirakochira

here and there

奴

yako

servant; partner

向こう

mukou

in addition; there; opposite direction; the other part

他

hoka

other

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.

Quick Access
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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:

私は彼女に代わることができますか？

Watashi wa kanojo ni kawaru koto ga dekimasu ka?

Posso substituí-la?

Can I replace it?

私 - means "I" in Japanese.
は - is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I".
彼女 - Means "girlfriend" or "she" in Japanese.
に - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the recipient of the action, in this case, "to her".
代わる - It means "replace" or "exchange" in Japanese.
こと - It is a grammatical particle that indicates an action or event, in this case, "replace".
が - it is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "I".
できます - means "power" or "to be able to" in Japanese.
か - It is a grammatical particle that indicates a question, in this case, "can I replace it?"

私は彼女の関心を引くことができるだろうか。

Watashi wa kanojo no kanshin o hiku koto ga dekiru darou ka

Can I arouse her interest?

Can I get her interest?

私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
彼女 - Japanese noun meaning "she" or "girlfriend"
の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
関心 - Japanese noun meaning "interest"
を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "interest"
引く - Japanese verb meaning "to attract"
こと - Japanese noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
できる - Japanese verb meaning "to be able to"
だろう - Japanese expression that indicates probability or uncertainty, in this case "I wonder if".
か - Japanese particle indicating a question

私は彼女に結婚を申し出た。

Watashi wa kanojo ni kekkon wo moushidasita

I proposed marriage to her.

I offered him to get married.

私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
彼女 - noun that means "girlfriend" or "fiancée" in Japanese
に - particle that indicates the recipient of the action
結婚 - noun that means "marriage" in Japanese
を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
申し出た - verb that means "propose" or "request" in Japanese, conjugated in the past

私は彼女に夢中です。

Watashi wa kanojo ni muchuu desu

I'm obsessed with her.

I'm crazy about her.

私 - personal pronoun "I"
は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
彼女 - noun "girlfriend"
に - target particle, indicates that the action is directed towards the "girlfriend"
夢中 - adjective "ionate"
です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は彼女を探す。

Watashi wa kanojo wo sagasu

I'm looking for a girlfriend.

I look for her.

私 - personal pronoun "I"
は - topic particle, indicates that the topic of the sentence is "I"
彼女 - noun "girlfriend"
を - direct object particle, indicates that "girlfriend" is the object of the action
探す - verb "search"

私は彼女が悲しむのを見るのが辛いです。

Watashi wa kanojo ga kanashimu no o miru no ga tsurai desu

It's hard for me to see her sad.

It's hard to see her sad.

私 - personal pronoun "I"
は - Topic particle
彼女 - pronoun "she"
が - subject particle
悲しむ - verb "to be sad"
の - nominal particle
を - direct object particle
見る - verb "to see"
の - nominal particle
が - subject particle
辛い - adjective "difficult"
です - verb to be"

私は彼女に話し掛けた。

Watashi wa kanojo ni hanashikakeru ta

I talked with her.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
彼女 (kanojo) - pronoun that means "she"
に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case "for her"
話し掛けた (hanashikaketa) - verb that means "to speak with," conjugated in the past

私は友達を励ますために彼女にエールを送ります。

Watashi wa tomodachi o hagemasu tame ni kanojo ni ēru o okurimasu

I send an encouragement message to my friend to encourage her.

I send her a beer to encourage my friends.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject is "I"
友達 (tomodachi) - noun meaning "friend"
を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, indicating that "friend" is the object of the action
励ます (hagemasu) - verb meaning "to encourage"
ために (tameni) - expression that indicates the purpose of the action, in this case "to encourage the friend"
彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "she"
に (ni) - particle indicating the recipient of the action, in this case "she" is the recipient of the encouragement
エール (eeru) - noun meaning "" or "encouragement"
を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, indicating that "" is the object of the action
送ります (okurimasu) - verb meaning "to send"

私は彼女に尽くすことを決めました。

Watashi wa kanojo ni tsukusu koto o kimemashita

I decided to dedicate myself to her.

I decided to do my best.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
彼女 (kanojo) - noun that means "girlfriend"
に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case "for my girlfriend"
尽くす (tsukusu) - A verb that means "to dedicate oneself," "to serve," or "to treat with care."
こと (koto) - noun that means "thing," used to transform the verb into a noun
を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the action, in this case "the dedication"
決めました (kimemashita) - verb that means "to decide," conjugated in the past, indicating that the action has already been completed.