あれThat (over there)

Although uncommon, its kanji can be seen as 彼れ

Structure

Demonstrative noun (located away from both the speaker and the listener)

Details

Part of Speech
Noun
Word Type
Pronoun
Register
Standard
Rare Kanji
彼れ

About あれ

あれ, just like これ and それ, is one of several 'pronoun-like' words in Japanese (substitute nouns). あれ translates roughly to 'that' in English. However, unlike それ, あれ is used to highlight things that are away from both the speaker and the listener. Due to this, it is also often translated as 'that over there'.

Caution

Be careful not to mix up あれ with the common spoken expression あれ, which means 'huh?', or 'oh?'. These are not the same words. The difference will usually be clear from context within a sentence, and the way the word is said. あれ as 'huh?' has a rising tone, and sounds like a question.

Examples

--:--

あれは何(なに)？

What is that over there?

あれはコンビニです。

That over there is a convenience store.

あれはホテルです。

That over there is a hotel.

あれは、電車(でんしゃ)です。

That over there is a train.

あれは、兄(あに)です。

That over there is my older brother.

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Online
- Explanations and example sentences
  いいね Nihongo
- This / That + adjectives これ / それ / あれ
  Japanese Ammo
- これ、それ、あれ、and どれ
  Wasabi

Offline
- Genki I
  Page 34
- Genki I 2nd Edition
  Page 62
- みんなの日本語 I
  Page 20 [CH 2]
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あれ – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (6 in total)

pewpewcondorito
Hi everyone.

Can I use these demonstrative pronouns to refer to people too? For example:

あれは私の先生です。

Thanks in advance.
Fuga
Hey @pewpewcondorito !

Yes, you can use it on people too, but it would sound very rude (could be used in a joking way in a casual situation)!

It is best to use あのひと or あのかた, when referring to people!
pewpewcondorito
ありがとうごさいます！！ @Fuga