彼ら

• Reading: かれら
• Romaji: karera
• Kanji breakdown: 彼 (hi/kare) — he, that person
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɾe.ɾa/

Meaning

They; them. A third-person plural pronoun, typically referring to males or a mixed group.

The plural form of 彼 (kare, he). While it traditionally refers to males, it can also refer to a mixed-gender group. In everyday Japanese, third-person pronouns are used less frequently than in English; speakers often use names or titles instead.

Examples

1. 彼らは来月日本に来ます。 They're coming to Japan next month.
2. 彼らの意見を聞いてみましょう。 Let's hear their opinions.
3. 彼らと一緒にサッカーをした。 I played soccer with them.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, writing, storytelling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 彼 (kare, he/that person) and the pluralizing suffix ら (ra). The kanji 彼 originally meant 'over there' and evolved into a third-person pronoun.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal