Use 'kare-ra' as the standard way to refer to 'they' when speaking about a group of people.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a group of people.
- Commonly used for men or mixed-gender groups.
- Acts as the plural form of he.
使用パターン：主語として使う場合は「彼らは」、目的語として使う場合は「彼らを」「彼らに」のように助詞を伴います。また、所有を示す場合は「彼らの」となります。
- 1一般的な文脈：物語の語り手が特定の人物グループについて説明する際や、ビジネス、ニュースなどで特定の集団を客観的に指し示す際に多用されます。親しい間柄で友人グループを指す際にも使われますが、目上の人に対して使う場合は注意が必要です。
- 1類語との比較：「奴ら（やつら）」はよりカジュアルで、時には軽蔑的なニュアンスを含みます。「方々（かたがた）」は、相手に対して敬意を表す際に使われる丁寧な表現です。「彼ら」はこれらの中間に位置する、最も標準的で中立的な三人称複数代名詞です。
Examples
彼らは昨日、新しいプロジェクトを始めました。
everydayThey started a new project yesterday.
彼らの方針は、会社の方針と一致しています。
formalTheir policy is consistent with the company's policy.
彼ら、また喧嘩してるよ。
informalThey are fighting again.
彼らはこの研究において重要な役割を果たした。
academicThey played an important role in this research.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
彼らのため
for their sake
彼ら次第
up to them
彼ら同士
among them
Often Confused With
This is a derogatory or very casual way to say 'they'. Do not use it in polite company.
Specifically refers to a group of females. 'Kare-ra' is for males or mixed groups.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Kare-ra is the standard pronoun for 'they' but can sound slightly detached or academic in casual speech. It is best to avoid it when addressing someone directly or referring to superiors. Always use it as a collective noun for third parties.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is adding 'tachi' to 'kare-ra'. Since 'kare-ra' is already plural, 'kare-ra-tachi' is redundant. Also, avoid using it to refer to people who are socially superior to you.
Tips
Use for mixed-gender groups
Although it sounds like 'he', it is standard to use 'kare-ra' for mixed groups of men and women.
Avoid with superiors
Never use 'kare-ra' to refer to your boss or elders. It sounds distant and lacks the necessary respect.
Gender neutrality trends
In modern Japanese, people increasingly use names or specific group titles instead of 'kare-ra' to be more inclusive.
Word Origin
Kare is derived from ancient Japanese demonstratives. The suffix 'ra' was added to indicate plurality for people.
Cultural Context
In modern Japanese, using 'kare-ra' is sometimes viewed as slightly masculine or old-fashioned. Many people now prefer using the specific names of the group members or 'minasan' (everyone) to be more polite and inclusive.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kare' (he) + 'ra' (plural maker). It's like 'He-s' becoming 'They'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions女性だけのグループを指す場合は「彼女ら」と言います。ただし、日常会話では単に「彼女たち」と言う方が一般的で自然です。
目上の人に対して使うのは避けるべきです。失礼にあたる可能性があるため、その場合は「皆様」や「あの方々」といった敬語表現を使いましょう。
「彼ら」だけで既に複数形なので、「彼らたち」と言う必要はありません。二重複数になるため、避けるのが無難です。
はい、現代の日本語では男女混合のグループを指す際に「彼ら」を用いるのが一般的です。文脈でグループの構成が明らかな場合は特に問題ありません。
Test Yourself
___は公園でサッカーをしています。
「サッカーをしています」という複数形を指す文脈なので「彼ら」が適切です。
次のうち、正しい文はどれですか？
「彼ら」はすでに複数形なので「たち」は不要です。
（彼らを / 見ました / 公園で）
日本語の語順は「主語＋場所＋目的語＋動詞」が基本です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'kare-ra' as the standard way to refer to 'they' when speaking about a group of people.
- Refers to a group of people.
- Commonly used for men or mixed-gender groups.
- Acts as the plural form of he.
Use for mixed-gender groups
Although it sounds like 'he', it is standard to use 'kare-ra' for mixed groups of men and women.
Avoid with superiors
Never use 'kare-ra' to refer to your boss or elders. It sounds distant and lacks the necessary respect.
Gender neutrality trends
In modern Japanese, people increasingly use names or specific group titles instead of 'kare-ra' to be more inclusive.
Examples
4 of 4彼らは昨日、新しいプロジェクトを始めました。
They started a new project yesterday.
彼らの方針は、会社の方針と一致しています。
Their policy is consistent with the company's policy.
彼ら、また喧嘩してるよ。
They are fighting again.
彼らはこの研究において重要な役割を果たした。
They played an important role in this research.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
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