Translation and Meaning of: 彼の - ano

If you’ve ever tried to point to something distant in Japanese and got stuck choosing the right word, あの (ano) is the solution. This term, which means "that over there," is essential for everyday situations but carries nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, you will discover the etymology, the pictogram behind the kanji 彼, and how the Japanese use this expression in informal and formal contexts. Additionally, we've gathered practical sentences for you to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition systems.

What many people don't know is that あの has an informal tone, almost like "that thing over there." But pay attention: it doesn't work alone! It needs to be accompanied by a noun or appear as あれ (are) when used in isolation. Want to master the details that make a difference when communicating? Let's uncover everything, from the historical origins to the most common mistakes that students make.

The Origin and the Kanji Behind あの

The term あの is written with the kanji 彼 when referring to "that" in the sense of something distant or already mentioned. Interestingly, this same character can mean "he" in other contexts, but here it takes on a different role. The reading あの is one of the many exceptions in the Japanese language, where the kanji does not directly reflect the pronunciation. This happens because Japanese has preserved ancient from the language that were later adapted to Chinese writing.

In etymology, 彼 (kare) originally came from ancient Chinese, meaning "that side" or "distant." Over time, the Japanese began to use the reading あの for objects or people that are not close, while retaining the reading かれ for "he." This duality can confuse beginners, but one tip is to that あの always needs a complement: あの本 (ano hon – that book), あの人 (ano hito – that person).

How to Use あの in Daily Life

Imagine you are in a store and want to ask about a product on the shelf. Instead of pointing rudely, a simple "How much is that product?" (あの商品はいくらですか？ – ano shouhin wa ikura desu ka?) sounds much more natural. The Japanese often use あの in situations like this, especially when the object is visible but not within immediate reach. It is a polite way to refer to something without being too direct.

Another common use is in casual conversations, like: "Did you see that movie?" (あの映画、見た？ – ano eiga, mita?). Here, あの implies that both know which movie is being discussed, perhaps because they have already talked about it before. But be careful: if you use あの without context, it may sound vague. Japanese people love to omit information when the subject is already known, so pay attention to the tone of the conversation.

Trivia and Common Traps

Did you know that あの can be a great way to start a conversation? Phrases like "あのさ…" (ano sa…) are equivalent to "you know what...", introducing a new topic in a casual way. This expression is so versatile that it even appears in songs and dramas, typically in scenes where someone is hesitant to share something.

On the other hand, a common mistake among students is trying to use あの alone as a pronoun. Unlike これ (kore – this) or それ (sore – that), it requires a noun right after. If you say only "あのは美味しい" (ano wa oishii), native speakers will find it odd – the correct phrasing would be "あのケーキは美味しい" (ano keeki wa oishii – that cake is delicious). This simple rule prevents a lot of awkwardness!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 彼方 (Kanata) - Far away, beyond, that distant place.
• 彼の (Kare no) - Delete.
• 彼女の (Kanojo no) - Dela.
• 彼のもの (Kare no mono) - What belongs to him.