Explanation at your level:
Hello! かれ (kare) is a Japanese word. It means 'he' or 'him'. You use it when you talk about a boy or a man. It's like saying 'he' in English. Sometimes, it can also mean 'boyfriend'. So, if a girl says 'my kare', she means her boyfriend! It's a simple word for a person.
かれ (kare) is a Japanese pronoun used for males. It functions like 'he' and 'him' in English. For example, you can say Kare wa gakusei desu (彼は学生です), which means 'He is a student.' It can also refer to a boyfriend, especially when used with 'my', like watashi no kare (私の彼).
The Japanese pronoun かれ (kare) serves as the third-person singular masculine pronoun, equivalent to 'he' or 'him'. It's used to refer to a male person previously mentioned or understood from context. For instance, Kare wa tomodachi da (彼は友達だ) means 'He is a friend.' A significant secondary meaning is 'boyfriend', typically expressed as watashi no kare (私の彼), indicating a romantic relationship.
かれ (kare) is a third-person masculine pronoun in Japanese. Its primary function is to denote 'he' or 'him', often employed in written Japanese or when a degree of formality or distance is appropriate. In casual speech, names or other identifiers might be preferred among close acquaintances. Beyond its general pronominal use, かれ specifically denotes a 'boyfriend', usually in the possessive construction watashi no kare (私の彼). This dual usage requires careful attention to context to distinguish between a general male referent and a romantic partner.
The Japanese pronoun かれ (kare) occupies a nuanced position in the language. While it functions as the standard third-person masculine pronoun ('he'/'him'), its application in spoken Japanese can be less frequent than in English, especially in informal settings where direct address or names are favored. Its use often implies a certain narrative distance or formality. Furthermore, かれ carries a distinct meaning of 'boyfriend', typically realized as watashi no kare (私の彼). This romantic sense, while common, is distinct from its general pronominal function and is usually clarified by the possessive particle 'no'. Understanding the register and context is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Historically derived from demonstrative pronouns, かれ (kare) has evolved into the primary third-person masculine pronoun in modern Japanese, serving as 'he' and 'him'. Its usage, however, is often moderated by politeness levels and social dynamics, making it more prevalent in formal writing than in everyday spoken interactions among intimates. The semantic domain of かれ significantly extends to encompass 'boyfriend' (watashi no kare), a usage that gained prominence with Western cultural influences. This duality, coupled with its grammatical function and historical lineage from demonstratives like are, presents a complex interplay of reference, relationship, and register. The related term karera (彼ら) serves as the plural 'they'/'them', further illustrating the pronoun's grammatical family.
30초 단어
- かれ (kare) is a Japanese pronoun for males.
- It means 'he', 'him', or 'boyfriend' (often 'watashi no kare').
- Use depends heavily on context and formality.
- The plural is かれら (karera); the feminine counterpart is かのじょ (kanojo).
Hey there! Let's dive into the word かれ (kare). It's a super useful Japanese pronoun that can mean a few different things depending on the situation. Most commonly, it translates to 'he' or 'him' when you're talking about a guy. Think of it as the go-to word for referring to a male person you've already mentioned or who is understood from the context.
But wait, there's more! かれ also has a special meaning in relationships. When someone says watashi no kare (私の彼), they're talking about their boyfriend. It adds a layer of personal connection and romantic involvement. So, while it's a general pronoun for males, it can also specifically point to a romantic partner, making it quite versatile!
Understanding かれ is key to navigating Japanese conversations about people. Remember, it's primarily for males, and its meaning can shift from a general 'he' to a more specific 'boyfriend'. Keep these two main uses in mind, and you'll be using it like a pro in no time!
The word かれ (kare) has a fascinating history that stretches back to classical Japanese. Its roots can be traced to the word are (あれ), which originally meant 'that over there' or 'that thing'. Over time, this demonstrative pronoun evolved. In the Heian period (794-1185), are started being used to refer to people, particularly men, in a somewhat distant or formal way.
By the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and Muromachi period (1336-1573), the usage shifted further. The pronoun kare (かれ), derived from are, became more established as a third-person pronoun for males. It was often used in contrast to kano (彼女), which originally referred to 'that woman over there' and later evolved into the pronoun for 'she'/'her'. This is a bit of a twist, as kano became 'she', while kare stuck as 'he'.
The romantic connotation of かれ as 'boyfriend' is a more modern development, becoming prominent in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and onward, influenced by Western concepts of dating and romantic relationships. It's interesting how a word that started as a pointer ('that') eventually became a personal pronoun and even a term of endearment!
かれ (kare) is a fundamental pronoun in Japanese, but its usage requires a bit of nuance. As a general pronoun for 'he' or 'him', it's often used when the male person is already known to the listener, or when you want to maintain a certain level of politeness or distance. In very casual conversation among close friends, especially younger people, pronouns like kare might be used less frequently, with people often opting to use names or other identifiers instead. However, in writing or more formal speech, かれ is quite common.
When かれ refers to a 'boyfriend', it's almost always used in the context of possession, like watashi no kare (私の彼 - my boyfriend) or anata no kare (あなたの彼 - your boyfriend). Simply saying kare on its own usually implies the general 'he'/'him'. It's important to note that かれ is exclusively used for males; there's no direct equivalent for 'she' or 'her' that follows the same historical and grammatical path (that role is filled by kanojo 彼女).
Common collocations include phrases like: kare wa... (彼は... - He is...), kare o... (彼を... - him (object)), and kare ni... (彼に... - to him). When referring to a boyfriend, you'll often hear: kare ga kita (彼が来た - My boyfriend came) or kare to iu hito (彼という人 - A person called 'my boyfriend'). Remember to pay attention to the context to grasp the intended meaning!
While かれ (kare) itself isn't heavily featured in a vast number of distinct idioms in the way some English words are, it appears in expressions that highlight its core meanings. These phrases often revolve around relationships or referring to a male individual.
Here are a few common ways かれ pops up:
- 私の彼 (watashi no kare): This is the most direct and common expression, meaning 'my boyfriend'. It's used by women to refer to their romantic partner. Example: 「これは私の彼です。」 (Kore wa watashi no kare desu. - This is my boyfriend.)
- 彼氏 (kareshi): While not using かれ directly, kareshi is the more colloquial and widely used term for 'boyfriend'. It's often preferred in casual conversation over watashi no kare. Example: 「彼氏ができたんだ！」 (Kareshi ga dekita n da! - I got a boyfriend! )
- 彼のことだから (kare no koto da kara): This phrase translates to 'Knowing him...' or 'It's typical of him...'. It implies that the following statement is based on the known personality or habits of the male person being discussed. Example: 「彼のことだから、きっと大丈夫だよ。」 (Kare no koto da kara, kitto daijoubu da yo. - Knowing him, he'll surely be okay.)
- 彼ら (karera): This is the plural form, meaning 'they' or 'them' (for males or a mixed group). While distinct, it's directly derived from かれ. Example: 「彼らは友達です。」 (Karera wa tomodachi desu. - They are friends.)
- 彼方 (kanata): Meaning 'that way', 'over there', or 'the other side'. This word shares an etymological link with かれ, stemming from demonstratives indicating distance. Example: 「彼方の山が見える。」 (Kanata no yama ga mieru. - I can see the mountains over there.)
These examples show how かれ and its related forms are woven into the fabric of Japanese expression, particularly concerning relationships and personal characteristics.
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of かれ (kare). As a pronoun, it replaces nouns, specifically male individuals. The standard form is かれ. When used as the subject of a sentence, it often appears with the topic marker wa (は), becoming かれは (kare wa). As the object, it's typically followed by the object marker o (を), forming かれを (kare o). When indicating direction or the indirect object, it uses the particle ni (に), resulting in かれに (kare ni).
The plural form of かれ is かれら (karera), meaning 'they' or 'them'. This plural form is used for groups of males or mixed-gender groups. It follows similar grammatical patterns, like かれらは (karera wa - they) and かれらを (karera o - them).
Pronunciation-wise, かれ is pronounced 'kah-reh'. The 'ka' sound is like the 'ca' in 'car', and the 're' sound is similar to the 're' in 'red', but with a slightly lighter 'r' sound, almost like a flick of the tongue. There's no strong stress on either syllable; it's a relatively flat, even pronunciation. In British English, the IPA would be /kɑː.ɾe̞/ and in American English, it's similar, perhaps /kɑː.ɾeɪ/. Common pronunciation errors for learners might include over-emphasizing the 'r' sound or stressing one syllable too much.
Words that rhyme with かれ are rare in Japanese due to its syllabic structure, but sounds ending in '-are' exist, though they might not be perfect rhymes in the English sense. Think of words like dare (誰 - who) or sare (され - passive form marker), though these are not true rhymes.
Fun Fact
The pronoun 'kanojo' (彼女 - she/her) originally meant 'that woman over there' and was used similarly to 'kare', but its meaning shifted to exclusively feminine, while 'kare' retained its masculine reference.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'car-eh', with a soft, tapped 'r' sound and a clear 'eh' at the end.
Similar to British, with 'car-ay', the 'r' is a light tap, and the final vowel is like the 'a' in 'say'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly, like the English 'r'.
- Adding an 'r' sound at the end, like 'car-err'.
- Stressing one syllable much more than the other.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding context for meaning (he/boyfriend).
Need to know when to use 'kare' vs. names or 'kareshi'.
Pronunciation and choosing the right context are key.
Context is crucial to differentiate meanings.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Particles (は, を, に, の, が, と)
かれ は (topic), かれ を (object), かれ の (possessive)
Pronoun Usage in Japanese
Often omitted in casual speech, preference for names.
Formal vs. Informal Language
'Kare' can be formal in writing, but names are often preferred in casual speech.
Examples by Level
かれ は たなかさん です。
He is Mr. Tanaka.
かれ is 'He', は is 'is' (topic marker).
かれ は おとこ の こ です。
He is a boy.
おとこ の こ means 'boy'.
これ は かれ の ほん です。
This is his book.
かれ の means 'his'.
かれ は えいが を みます。
He watches a movie.
を is the object marker.
かれ は おおきい です。
He is big.
おおきい means 'big'.
かれ は どこ です か？
Where is he?
どこ です か means 'Where is?'
かれ は たのしい です。
He is fun.
たのしい means 'fun' or 'enjoyable'.
かれ は すし が すき です。
He likes sushi.
が is a particle often used with 'like'.
かれ は きのう きました。
He came yesterday.
きのう means 'yesterday'.
かれ は じょうず です。
He is skillful.
じょうず means 'skillful' or 'good at'.
かれ は せが たかい です。
He is tall.
せが たかい means 'tall'.
かれ は わたしの ともだち です。
He is my friend.
ともだち means 'friend'.
かれ は どこに いましたか？
Where was he?
いましたか indicates past tense and location.
かれ は しごと を しています。
He is working.
しごと を しています means 'is working'.
かれ は むかし アメリカ に すんで いました。
He used to live in America.
むかし means 'in the past', すんでいました means 'used to live'.
かれ は とても しんせつ です。
He is very kind.
しんせつ means 'kind' or 'helpful'.
かれ は じつは かつどうか です。
He is actually an actor.
じつは means 'actually', かつどうか means 'actor'.
かれ は その ニュース を きいて いなかった。
He hadn't heard that news.
きいて いなかった is the negative past progressive tense.
かれ は かれ の しごと に まじめ です。
He is serious about his work.
まじめ means 'serious' or 'earnest'.
かれ は わたし の かれ です。
He is my boyfriend.
This clearly indicates the romantic relationship.
かれ は かれ の けいけん を はなして くれました。
He told me about his experience.
はなしてくれました indicates someone did something for the speaker.
かれ は かのじょ を とても あいしています。
He loves his girlfriend very much.
あいしています means 'loves'.
かれ の こと を しんじる べき です。
You should believe in him.
しんじる べき です means 'should believe'.
かれ は かれ の けいかく を せつめい しました。
He explained his plan.
けいかく means 'plan', せつめいしました means 'explained'.
かれ は その しごと に ふさわしい かんけい を もっている。
He has the appropriate qualifications for the job.
ふさわしい means 'appropriate', かんけい can mean 'qualifications' in this context.
かれ は かれ の りそう の かのじょ を さがして いる。
He is searching for his ideal girlfriend.
りそう means 'ideal'.
かれ は かれ の じこ を みとめた。
He admitted his mistake.
じこ means 'mistake' or 'fault', みとめた means 'admitted'.
かれ は かれ の けいけん を もとに かんがえ を のべた。
He expressed his opinion based on his experience.
もとに means 'based on', かんがえ を のべた means 'expressed an opinion'.
かれ は かれ の せいかつ を かえる ため に きめた。
He decided to change his lifestyle.
せいかつ means 'lifestyle', かえる means 'to change'.
かれ は かれ の じまん の こ を しょうかい した。
He introduced his proud son.
じまん means 'pride', こ means 'child'.
かれ は かれ の むかし の ともだち に ばったり あった。
He bumped into his old friend.
ばったり あった means 'bumped into'.
かれ は かれ の しょうらい について あんしん していた。
He was confident about his future.
しょうらい means 'future', あんしん していた means 'was confident'.
かれ は かれ の じしん を かんぜんに うしなっていた。
He had completely lost his self-confidence.
じしん means 'self-confidence', うしなっていた means 'had lost'.
かれ は かれ の けいけん を かつよう し、 かつて ない しどう を みせた。
He utilized his experience and showed unprecedented leadership.
かつようし means 'utilized', かつて ない means 'unprecedented'.
かれ は かれ の じぶん の せい を みとめる こと が できなかった。
He was unable to admit his own fault.
じぶん の せい means 'one's own fault', みとめることができなかった means 'was unable to admit'.
かれ は かれ の かんがえ を かたくな に しんじつづけた。
He stubbornly continued to believe in his own ideas.
かたくなに means 'stubbornly', しんじつづけた means 'continued to believe'.
かれ は かれ の かこ を ふりかえる こと なく、 まえ へ すすんだ。
He moved forward without looking back at his past.
かこ means 'past', ふりかえる こと なく means 'without looking back'.
かれ は かれ の じょうし に たいして、 かんしゃ の きもち を つたえた。
He conveyed his feelings of gratitude to his boss.
じょうし means 'boss', かんしゃ means 'gratitude'.
かれ は かれ の げんじつ を うけいれ、 あたらな かい ろ を さがした。
He accepted his reality and sought a new path.
げんじつ means 'reality', うけいれ means 'accepted', あたらな かい ろ means 'new path'.
かれ は かれ の じだい の なか で も ひときわ ゆうしゅう な そしきしゃ だった。
He was an exceptionally talented organizer of his era.
ひときわ means 'exceptionally', ゆうしゅうな means 'talented/excellent', そしきしゃ means 'organizer'.
かれ は かれ の じだい の なか で も ひときわ ゆうしゅう な そしきしゃ だった。
He was an exceptionally talented organizer of his era.
ひときわ means 'exceptionally', ゆうしゅうな means 'talented/excellent', そしきしゃ means 'organizer'.
かれ は かれ の けいけん を かつよう し、 かつて ない しどう を みせた。
He utilized his experience and showed unprecedented leadership.
かつようし means 'utilized', かつて ない means 'unprecedented'.
かれ は かれ の じしん を かんぜんに うしなっていた。
He had completely lost his self-confidence.
じしん means 'self-confidence', うしなっていた means 'had lost'.
かれ は かれ の かこ を ふりかえる こと なく、 まえ へ すすんだ。
He moved forward without looking back at his past.
かこ means 'past', ふりかえる こと なく means 'without looking back'.
かれ は かれ の げんじつ を うけいれ、 あたらな かい ろ を さがした。
He accepted his reality and sought a new path.
げんじつ means 'reality', うけいれ means 'accepted', あたらな かい ろ means 'new path'.
かれ は かれ の かんがえ を かたくな に しんじつづけた。
He stubbornly continued to believe in his own ideas.
かたくなに means 'stubbornly', しんじつづけた means 'continued to believe'.
かれ は かれ の じぶん の せい を みとめる こと が できなかった。
He was unable to admit his own fault.
じぶん の せい means 'one's own fault', みとめることができなかった means 'was unable to admit'.
かれ は かれ の しだい に かんする あらゆる げんりょう を かんさつ した。
He observed all the resources related to his project.
しだい means 'project' or 'affair', あらゆる means 'all', げんりょう means 'resources', かんさつした means 'observed'.
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"彼を知り己を知れば百戦殆うからず"
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. (Sun Tzu)
この交渉で成功するには、彼を知り己を知れば百戦殆うからず、の精神で臨むべきだ。
formal, literary"彼岸花 (ひがんばな)"
Lycoris radiata; red spider lily. Often associated with the autumn equinox (Higan) and funerals.
秋になると、道端に彼岸花が咲き始める。
neutral"彼是 (かし)"
This and that; the pros and cons; right and wrong. Often used in the negative: 彼是言わず (kashi iwazu - without mincing words, or without debating the details).
彼是言わず、すぐに行動に移しましょう。
formal, literary"彼方此方 (かなたこなた)"
Here and there; far and wide; all over the place.
地震の後、町は彼方此方に瓦礫が散乱していた。
neutral, descriptive"彼を知る者は智なり"
He who knows the other is wise. (A quote related to understanding others)
リーダーたる者、部下の心を知る者智なり、という言葉がある。
formal, philosophical"彼を立て、能く人を助く"
Elevate others and help them succeed. (A principle of leadership or interpersonal relations)
真のリーダーシップとは、彼を立て、能く人を助く、という姿勢から始まる。
formal, philosophicalEasily Confused
Both are third-person pronouns, but 'kare' is masculine and 'kanojo' is feminine.
'Kare' refers to males ('he'/'him'/'boyfriend'). 'Kanojo' refers to females ('she'/'her'/'girlfriend').
彼は私の友達です。(Kare wa watashi no tomodachi desu.) - He is my friend. 彼女は私の友達です。(Kanojo wa watashi no tomodachi desu.) - She is my friend.
Both can mean 'boyfriend'.
'Kare' (彼) is primarily a pronoun ('he'/'him') that *can* mean boyfriend (often 'watashi no kare'). 'Kareshi' (彼氏) *exclusively* means 'boyfriend' and is more common in casual speech.
これは私の彼です。(Kore wa watashi no kare desu.) - This is my boyfriend (slightly formal/written). これは私の彼氏です。(Kore wa watashi no kareshi desu.) - This is my boyfriend (common/casual).
Both can refer to a male person.
'Kare' (彼) is a standard pronoun, usable in formal and informal contexts. 'Aitsu'/'Yatsu' (彼奴) is very informal, often dismissive or contemptuous, used among close friends or when speaking negatively.
彼が来ました。(Kare ga kimashita.) - He came. (Neutral) あいつが来た！(Aitsu ga kita!) - That guy came! (Informal, possibly annoyed)
Both refer to a person.
'Kono hito' means 'this person' (male or female, neutral). 'Kare' specifically means 'he/him' (male only).
この人は田中さんです。(Kono hito wa Tanaka-san desu.) - This person is Mr./Ms. Tanaka. 彼は田中さんです。(Kare wa Tanaka-san desu.) - He is Mr. Tanaka.
Sentence Patterns
かれ + は + [Noun/Adjective] + です。
彼は親切です。(Kare wa shinsetsu desu.) - He is kind.
かれ + を + [Verb]
彼を助けてください。(Kare o tasukete kudasai.) - Please help him.
かれ + の + [Noun]
彼の車は新しいです。(Kare no kuruma wa atarashii desu.) - His car is new.
かれ + が + [Verb]
彼が来ました。(Kare ga kimashita.) - He came.
かれ + に + [Verb]
彼に会いたいです。(Kare ni aitai desu.) - I want to meet him.
어휘 가족
Nouns
관련
How to Use It
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
'Kare' (彼) is exclusively for males. Using it for a female is incorrect and confusing.
In casual Japanese, especially among friends, using pronouns like 'kare' can sound stiff or overly formal. It's more natural to use names or simply omit the pronoun if the subject is obvious.
While 'kare' can mean boyfriend, it's usually specified with 'watashi no' (my). Without it, 'kare' typically means 'he/him'.
The Japanese 'r' is different from the English 'r'. It's closer to a quick tap of the tongue, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English.
Unlike English 'person' or 'individual', 'kare' is gender-specific. There isn't a single gender-neutral pronoun that directly replaces it in all contexts.
Tips
Connect 'Kare' to 'Care'
Remember that 'kare' sounds like 'care'. You 'care' for your boyfriend, so link 'kare' to the meaning 'boyfriend' (especially when it's 'watashi no kare').
Context is King!
Always pay attention to the context. Is 'kare' preceded by 'watashi no' (my)? If so, it likely means 'boyfriend'. Is it in a formal document? It probably means 'he/him'. Is it casual chat? Maybe use a name instead!
Pronoun Avoidance Culture
Japanese culture often favors omitting pronouns when the subject is clear, or using names/titles. Don't feel obligated to use 'kare' constantly like English speakers use 'he'.
Master the Particles
The meaning and function of 'kare' change drastically with the particles that follow it: は (wa), を (o), に (ni), の (no), が (ga), と (to). Learn these combinations!
The 'R' Trick
Practice the Japanese 'r' sound by saying 'butter-fly' quickly. The 'tt' sound in 'butter' is very close to the Japanese 'r'.
Don't Gender-Swap!
Never use 'kare' for females. It's exclusively masculine. Stick to 'kanojo' for 'she'/'her'/'girlfriend'.
From 'That' to 'He'
Did you know 'kare' evolved from a word meaning 'that over there'? It's amazing how language changes!
Labeling Game
Label objects or pictures related to males around you with 'kare' (e.g., 'kare no pen' - his pen) and practice sentences.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'care'. You 'care' for your boyfriend, so 'kare' sounds like 'care' and means boyfriend (among other things).
Visual Association
Imagine a man ('he') wearing a red scarf (the color often associated with 'kare' in some contexts, though not strictly). If he's your boyfriend, he's special.
Word Web
챌린지
Try using 'kare' in sentences describing a male friend, then imagine describing your own boyfriend using 'watashi no kare'.
어원
Japanese
Original meaning: Derived from the demonstrative pronoun 'are' (あれ), meaning 'that (over there)' or 'that thing'.
문화적 맥락
While 'kare' itself is neutral, using it inappropriately (e.g., for a female) or in overly casual contexts where names are expected can be perceived as insensitive or awkward.
In English, 'he'/'him' are standard and frequent. 'Boyfriend' is a common term for a romantic male partner. The Japanese usage of 'kare' for boyfriend is less frequent than the specific term 'kareshi' (彼氏).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Introducing a male friend or acquaintance
- これは私の友達の田中さんです。かれは大学のせんぱいです。(Kore wa watashi no tomodachi no Tanaka-san desu. Kare wa daigaku no senpai desu.) - This is my friend Tanaka. He is my senior from university.
- かれは大阪からきました。(Kare wa Oosaka kara kimashita.) - He came from Osaka.
Talking about a romantic partner
- わたしの かれ は とても やさしい です。(Watashi no kare wa totemo yasashii desu.) - My boyfriend is very kind.
- かれし は いま いそがしい です。(Kareshi wa ima isogashii desu.) - My boyfriend is busy right now.
Describing someone's actions or characteristics
- かれ は しごと に まじめ です。(Kare wa shigoto ni majime desu.) - He is serious about his work.
- かれ は かれ の けいけん を はなして くれました。(Kare wa kare no keiken o hanashite kuremashita.) - He told me about his experience.
Referring to a group (plural)
- かれら は サッカー が すき です。(Karera wa sakkaa ga suki desu.) - They like soccer.
- かれら は みんな で いきました。(Karera wa minna de ikimashita.) - They went all together.
Conversation Starters
"あなたの かれ は なに を していますか？ (Anata no kare wa nani o shite imasu ka?) - What does your boyfriend do?"
"かれ は どんな ひと ですか？ (Kare wa donna hito desu ka?) - What kind of person is he?"
"かれ は かれ の しごと が すき ですか？ (Kare wa kare no shigoto ga suki desu ka?) - Does he like his job?"
"かれら は どこ へ いきましたか？ (Karera wa doko e ikimashita ka?) - Where did they go?"
"かれ に ついて おしえて ください。 (Kare ni tsuite oshiete kudasai.) - Please tell me about him."
Journal Prompts
Describe a male friend or family member using the pronoun 'kare'.
If you have a boyfriend, write a short paragraph about him using 'watashi no kare' or 'kareshi'.
Imagine you are writing a story. Use 'kare' to describe the main male character's actions or personality.
Reflect on the differences between using 'kare' and using a person's name. When would you choose one over the other?
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문No, 'kare' (彼) is specifically used for males. It can mean 'he', 'him', or 'boyfriend'. For females, you use 'kanojo' (彼女).
In very casual conversations among close friends, Japanese speakers often prefer using names or omitting pronouns when the subject is clear. 'Kare' can sound a bit formal or distant in such situations, though it's perfectly fine in writing or more formal speech.
'Kare' (彼) is a general pronoun for 'he'/'him'. 'Kareshi' (彼氏) specifically means 'boyfriend'. While 'kare' can mean boyfriend (often as 'watashi no kare' - my boyfriend), 'kareshi' is the more common and direct term for boyfriend in casual conversation.
The plural form of 'kare' is 'karera' (彼ら). It's used for groups of males or mixed-gender groups.
'Kare' itself is neutral. Its politeness depends on the context. In formal writing, it's standard. In casual speech, using names might be considered more polite or appropriate than using 'kare'. There are more polite ways to refer to someone, like 'ano kata' (あの方).
Yes, 'kare' can be used for a male child, but often terms like 'otoko no ko' (男の子 - boy) or the child's name are more common, especially in direct conversation.
Generally, 'kare' itself is neutral. However, informal pronouns like 'aitsu' (あいつ) or 'soitsu' (そいつ), which are sometimes seen as alternatives in very casual speech, can carry negative or dismissive connotations.
'Kare' is pronounced 'kah-reh'. The 'r' sound is a light tap of the tongue, similar to the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'. Avoid a strong English 'r'.
셀프 테스트
______ は 私 の ともだち です。
かれ means 'he', and the sentence translates to 'He is my friend.'
What does 'かれ' mean when a girl says 'わたしの かれ'?
When combined with 'watashi no' (my), 'kare' specifically refers to a boyfriend.
'Kare' can be used to refer to a female person.
Kare (彼) is exclusively used for males. Kanojo (彼女) is used for females.
Word
뜻
Matching the pronoun and its related forms/meanings.
The correct sentence order is 'Kare wa shigoto o shite imasu' (He is working).
「______ の こと だから、 きっと うまく やるよ。」
The phrase 'Kare no koto dakara' means 'Knowing him...', implying familiarity with his abilities.
Which phrase is generally considered too formal or stiff for casual conversation among close friends?
While grammatically correct, 'kare' can sound formal or distant in very casual settings where names or more colloquial terms are preferred.
'Kare' can sometimes imply a sense of distance or objectivity in narrative writing.
In literature or formal writing, 'kare' can be used to maintain a narrative distance from the subject.
彼は______ を かつよう し、 かつて ない しどう を みせた。
The sentence 'He utilized his experience and showed unprecedented leadership' requires 'keiken' (experience).
Which related term shares etymological roots with 'kare' and means 'over there'?
'Kanata' (彼方) originates from the same demonstrative roots as 'kare' and signifies distance.
점수: /10
Summary
Mastering 'kare' involves understanding its dual meaning (he/him vs. boyfriend) and knowing when context dictates its usage over names or other pronouns.
- かれ (kare) is a Japanese pronoun for males.
- It means 'he', 'him', or 'boyfriend' (often 'watashi no kare').
- Use depends heavily on context and formality.
- The plural is かれら (karera); the feminine counterpart is かのじょ (kanojo).
Connect 'Kare' to 'Care'
Remember that 'kare' sounds like 'care'. You 'care' for your boyfriend, so link 'kare' to the meaning 'boyfriend' (especially when it's 'watashi no kare').
Context is King!
Always pay attention to the context. Is 'kare' preceded by 'watashi no' (my)? If so, it likely means 'boyfriend'. Is it in a formal document? It probably means 'he/him'. Is it casual chat? Maybe use a name instead!
Pronoun Avoidance Culture
Japanese culture often favors omitting pronouns when the subject is clear, or using names/titles. Don't feel obligated to use 'kare' constantly like English speakers use 'he'.
Master the Particles
The meaning and function of 'kare' change drastically with the particles that follow it: は (wa), を (o), に (ni), の (no), が (ga), と (to). Learn these combinations!
예시
彼は私の友達です。
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family 관련 단어
還暦
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〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
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甘える
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思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
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養親
B2Adoptive parent.
