あれ

• Reading: あれ
• Romaji: are
• Pronunciation: /a.ɾe/

Meaning

That; that thing. A demonstrative pronoun for things far from both speaker and listener.

The 'a' member of the ko-so-a-do pronoun series, pointing to objects distant from both speaker and listener. Often used while pointing at something far away. Also functions as an interjection expressing surprise or confusion (あれ？ = huh?). Unlike あの (which modifies nouns), あれ stands alone as a pronoun.

Examples

1. あれは何の建物ですか。 What building is that over there?
2. あれ、鍵がない。 Huh, my keys are gone.
3. あれが有名な東京タワーです。 That over there is the famous Tokyo Tower.

Usage Guide

Context: pointing, identification, surprise

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the ancient Japanese demonstrative system. The 'a' prefix marks distance from both speaker and listener, combined with the pronoun base れ. As an interjection, it expresses the surprise of noticing something unexpected.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal